Chelsea are leading the race to sign highly rated Manchester United academy star JJ Gabriel, according to TEAMtalk.
United have placed a renewed emphasis on elite youth recruitment and development since the INEOS minority takeover of the 20-time English champions.
The philosophy has also been influenced significantly by Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell, whose backgrounds include youth development work at Manchester City and within the Red Bull network.
So far, they have reinforced their youth ranks with Harley Emsden-James, Enzo Kana-Biyik, Sekou Kone, Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi and Diego Leon. Cristian Orozco, Tynan Thompson
However, while the reinforcements have been commendable, the pathway for the youngsters remains open for debate, leaving the youngsters susceptible to offers with better pathways.
One such case is United’s highly rated forward Gabriel, who has reportedly expressed his desire to depart Old Trafford, with several clubs now looking to poach him from the Red Devils.
Among the interested clubs, TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea are leading the race to sign the exciting centre-forward from United.
Following the 15-year-old’s decision to immediately depart the club, the Blues have emerged as the frontrunners and are doing everything possible to convince the youngster to move to Stamford Bridge, according to the report.
‘Amazing’ talent
However, the London giants are set to face stern competition for Gabriel’s signature from major clubs across Europe, with the report adding that Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have made contact with the youngster’s camp.
In addition, TEAMtalk adds that Premier League rivals Arsenal as well as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City have also presented offers for the England U17 international.
Similar to Man Utd, Chelsea under Clearlake have increasingly built their recruitment strategy around identifying and developing young talent, making their interest in Gabriel understandable.
Their scouting operation now stretches across Europe, South America, North America and even Africa, giving the London giants a broad network for discovering promising players.
The club have continued that approach in the recently concluded summer transfer window by signing Harrison Bettoni from Wigan and highly rated Scottish centre-back Alfie Osborne from Hearts. Chelsea also reportedly have a deal in principle with FC Dallas for 15-year-old Benji Flowers.
Described as ‘amazing’ by United’s U18 coach Darren Fletcher, Gabriel, who has provided seven goal contributions this season, would be another exciting addition to the Blues’ talent pool, but whether they beat fierce competition from several major clubs, including Arsenal, remains to be seen.
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