Chelsea dealt major blow in Gabriel Moscardo pursuit

Chelsea’s pursuit of Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo has hit a major stumbling block, with news that Paris Saint-Germain are now in “well advanced” talks with the Brazilian’s representatives.

Moscardo, 18, is being courted by Europe’s biggest clubs following his impressive breakout onto the senior stage in South America, and Chelsea and PSG are just two of a number of clubs keeping tabs on his progress.

Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked, although Chelsea and PSG appear the two clubs most likely to land him.

The Blues were even given huge hope in the race to sign Moscardo when it was reported that a verbal agreement had been reached with Corinthians for his signature.

However, that report has been rubbished by Fabrizio Romano, and it now appears as though PSG have stolen a march and are best placed to sign one of the world’s most promising young midfielders.

L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi has reported that Moscardo’s move to the Parc des Princes is “well advanced” before adding that contact with his entourage is “direct.”

Furthermore, Tanzi has revealed that Corinthians want €25 million for Moscardo – a price that does not frighten PSG and is unlikely to prove an issue.

Moscardo to PSG?

Moscardo is regarded as one of the world’s best young talents, hence interest from the likes of Chelsea and PSG.

The Ligue 1 side currently have an impressive array of central midfielders at their disposal, and Luis Enrique has Warren Zaire-Emery, Manuel Ugarte, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Kang-in Lee, Carlos Soler and Danilo Pereira to call upon.

However, the Parisians evidently aren’t satisfied with their current options and are heavily pursuing a move for Moscardo as they look to improve their first-team squad.

Moscardo’s current contract at Corinthians runs until 2026 after he signed an extension earlier this year, but it seems as though he is likely to leave the club either in January or next summer.