Chelsea set to sign Barcelona prodigy Ilaix Moriba

There has been intense speculation surrounding the future of Ilaix Moriba in the last period.

The latest reports in Spain suggest that Chelsea are set to sign Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba.

The 16-year-old has been touted as one of the brightest young prospects in Spain.

Maurizio Sarri has always been a manager who keeps his eyes on the most talented young players across the globe.

Ilaix Moriba has the talent to play many roles in midfield.

According to Football Italia (via Diario Sport), “Chelsea have held talks with Barcelona academy player Ilaix Moriba Kourouma and could sign the 16-year-old this month. The midfielder is one of La Masia’s brightest prospects and has put in a series of star appearances this year, including a hat-trick against Real Madrid’s Juvenil B team in August. The Guinea-born player most commonly plays in a playmaker role for Barca’s youth sides and has previously been linked with moves to Manchester City and Juventus. He is now free to join other clubs after celebrating his 16th birthday on 19 January and Chelsea have reportedly been speaking to the player and his family. Currently with Barca’s Under-19 side, earlier this month RAC1 claim there was a ‘big chance’ Illaix would join Juve while Barca executives have been instructed ‘to do everything possible’ to retain the player.”

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While many believe Moriba to be a promising young talent, others find him extremely overrated.

If he turns out to be a star like many expect, it could be one of the club’s smartest transfers.

How strong that interest is and whether Chelsea will make a move remains to be seen but it is certainly one worth keeping an eye on.