Chelsea are showing an interest in Santos youngster João Victor de Souza but may face competition from Barcelona.
That’s according to AS, who say the 18-year-old has caught the attention of both sides with his performances in the Brazilian Serie B.
They say that ‘a star is born in Brazil’ at this moment in time with Souza shining for Santos so far this season.
Several European team have already started asking questions about him and ‘tested his incorporation’ in the January transfer market.
Barcelona and Chelea are two who have already made attempts, with Chelsea pondering the idea of signing him and then loaning to Strasbourg in France. The youngster also has an offer from Saudi Arabia, although whether that’s become a formal offer is unknown.
Souza has been with Santos since he was nine and broke through into the first team this year under Fábio Carrille. He’s been standing out since and some have labelled him the new Marcelo.
He’s already a fixture in Brazil’s youth teams and was a champions in last year’s U-17 South American championship before competing in the World Cup as well. The Seleçao are keeping a close eye on his development but so are Chelsea and Barcelona, who are seemingly keen to snap him up.
