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Barcelona 'leading Chelsea, Arsenal in Gabriel Moscardo race'

By Ben Sully | 11 November 2023

Barcelona 'leading Chelsea, Arsenal in Moscardo race'

La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly leading Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to sign highly-rated Corinthians youngster Gabriel Moscardo.

Barcelona are reportedly ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal in the pursuit of Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo.

After working his way through the youth ranks at Corinthians, Moscardo has gone on to make 22 appearances for the senior side.

Despite only turning 18 in September, Moscardo is already attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

The Brazilian wonderkid was linked with a move away in the summer transfer window, but he ultimately remained at Corinthians, where he has a contract until July 2026.

Moscardo, who has also appeared for Brazil's Under-23 side, continues to attract interest from the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Barcelona coach Xavi before the match on October 4, 2023 © Reuters

However, according to 90min, the La Liga champions are currently leading the two Premier League clubs in the race to secure Moscardo's signature.

Barcelona are still searching for a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, who left for MLS side Inter Miami in the summer.

Experienced midfielder Oriol Romeu was signed from Girona, but the 32-year-old is viewed as a stop-gap solution for Xavi's side.

While Chelsea trailing Barcelona in the quest to sign Moscardo, they still retain an interest after submitting a proposal in the summer.

The Blues have already delved into the Brazilian market this year to sign young prospects like Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos.

Corinthians' Gabriel Moscardo in action with Red Bull Bragantino's Marcos Vinicios on July 2, 2023 © Reuters

Arsenal, meanwhile, have seemingly identified Moscardo as a potential option, with uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey's future at the club.

In a separate report, ESPN Brazil claims that Arsenal and Spanish side Atletico Madrid have made an enquiry for Moscardo.

Despite making contact over a possible deal, Arsenal and Atletico's interest is not believed to be as strong as that of Barcelona or Chelsea.

Corinthians are unlikely to hold talks over a transfer until the club's next president is decided, with the election set to take place on November 25.