Chelsea have now expressed their interest in signing a talented young English player.
There’s been a clear focus at Chelsea in recruiting future stars since the ownership takeover two years ago. That’s showing no signs of slowing down either.
BBC Sport claims that Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle to activate the £5m release clause of Barcelona’s 18-year-old Spanish forward Marc Guiu. Also, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports via X that Barcelona talent Guiu has completed his medical ahead of an imminent move to Chelsea.
It’s interesting to hear that the Blues also have their sights set on an English teenager.
Chelsea express interest in Leeds youngster Archie Gray
The Telegraph has claimed that Chelsea are interested in signing Archie Gray, 18, from Championship club Leeds United.
It is understood that the Blues have made their interest in the teenager clear to Leeds, but there’s not been any kind of formal offer yet.
The report says that Leeds would demand well over £30m for their academy graduate. He’s attracting interest from various other Premier League and European clubs, too.
Should the Blues ramp up interest?
First of all, Gray is clearly a super youngster destined for big things in his career. The England Under-21 international ticks so many boxes with Chelsea’s recruitment policy.
Gray enjoyed a stunning debut season in the Leeds first team last year, albeit it ended in the disappointment of losing in the Championship play-off final. At the age of 18, he emerged as a nailed-on starter at Elland Road by playing 52 games across all competitions last season.
If you’ve not watched Gray before, the best way to describe him is as a seasoned professional in a teenager’s body.
The Leeds rising star is a central midfielder by trade. However, he showed incredible maturity and versatility to fill in as a right-back for most of last season.
Described as “special” by Leeds teammate Georginio Rutter (The Mirror), Gray looks like the real deal.
The Chelsea Chronicle couldn’t be disappointed if the Blues chased his signature. We could be talking about a future England international with a massive future.
But realistically, would Gray get any minutes at Stamford Bridge next season?
Chelsea really need to take stock of what they’ve got on the books before stockpiling even more youngsters.
