Chelsea are edging closer to sealing a deal for Independiente del Valle starlet Kendry Páez, if a ‘confidential’ report from Wednesday’s Sport is to be believed.
The 15-year-old has already made his first team debut for the Ecuadorian club this year and that has alerted a few top clubs in Europe, including the Blues and Barcelona.
Barca’s financial situation currently restricts them from making an approach for the player desired by Chelsea.
The Catalan club are ‘hurt a lot’ over missing out on the attacking midfielder because they had collected positive reports about him.
It’s explained Chelsea have ‘thrown the house out the window’ and ‘reached a transfer agreement’ with Independiente del Valle for the teenager for around €20m.
Páez, who will turn 16 years of age next month, won’t be able to arrive at the west London club until he turns 18. He’s featured thrice for Ecuador U17s and has made three first team appearances for his club.
Chelsea have been focusing on South America as they already signed Andrey Santos, another player wanted by Barca, from Vasco da Gama in January.
Having lost Santos to Chelsea, Barca will miss out on another ‘jewel’ after the Blues agreed a deal with Independiente del Valle for Páez’s transfer.
