Chelsea are in the race for Claudio Echeverri alongside other clubs, but Barcelona are eager to take the lead in the chase.
According to Sport via Sport Witness, Chelsea are present in the chase for Claudio Echeverri and willing to compete with rivals like Barcelona. The Spanish giants are eager to get ahead of the queue and may have the player’s preference as a plus point in the hunt.
Claudio Echeverri is brewing up a massive transfer battle in the background for his signature. A host of Premier League sides are keen, alongside Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. River Plate are seemingly open to a sale of the prodigious talent but at their price.
Echeverri’s stock rose after a stellar performance at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, where he was one of the best players. The likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid are competing for the forward, with Chelsea also pulling themselves into the equation.
The new ownership group at Chelsea are overly keen to pluck the best young talents from around and build a project for the future. They have spent massive sums to reach their objectives in the past 18 months and will continue their endeavours with new targets in mind, including an interest in Echeverri.
River Plate continues to stick with their demands and wants the €25 million release clause in Echeverri’s contract. Chelsea might pay up, but their biggest challenge comes from Barcelona. The Catalan giants are eager to sign the player and know he prefers to join them over other rivals.
While one would assume the preference part may play into their hands in lowering the fee for the youngster, Barcelona are reportedly willing to fork out more than €25 million. The reason behind it is to get a foothold in the race and get ahead of their rivals.
River Plate will undoubtedly agree to that kind of money for the South American prodigy, but that could open new avenues for them. If other rivals are extremely serious about Echeverri, then they might even look to outmuscle Barcelona and pay even more for the youngster.
For now, Barcelona are considered the top suitors in the race for Echeverri, with Chelsea and Manchester City in a position to pounce on one wrong move from the Catalans.
