Chelsea rivalled by Lionel Messi for Argentine wonderkid

Boca Juniors midfielder Milton Delgado has not only been attracting the attention of Chelsea, but also that of Inter Miami, according to local media.

The 20-year-old is coming off a hugely impressive U20 World Cup with Argentina. Delgado played the full 90 minutes in every one of his country’s matches as the Albiceleste finished runners-up.

He immediately started for Boca Juniors upon his return, but he wasn’t a regular before the World Cup. This, in combination with his relatively affordable €17 million release clause, has seen him attract big-name attention.

It was recently revealed that Chelsea have taken a liking to Delgado as they continue to seek out the most promising youngsters in world football. Boca, for their part, are hoping to keep hold of the midfielder.

According to El Intransigente, Chelsea are not Delgado’s only suitors. It is claimed that Sevilla, coached by former Argentina international Matias Almeyda, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are also keen on the youngster.

Delgado to Miami?

Financially, Inter Miami can certainly compete with Chelsea. Co-owner Jorge Mas has claimed that the franchise have basically ‘unlimited funds’ to bring in players, with the only restriction being MLS roster rules. By virtue of his release clause, Delgado would not be a regular signing for Miami.

He would occupy either a Young Designated Player or a U22 Initiative slot, which, in layman’s terms, means that his fee would be exempt from the salary cap, while his wages would incur a smaller cap impact than a senior player’s.

Miami will certainly have room to manoeuvre in the off-season. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are retiring after the playoffs, freeing up two DP spots, although one will be occupied by Rodrigo de Paul, whose loan from Atletico Madrid will become permanent.

However, it would be a surprise if Miami were to use up their last DP spot on a young player. Given their transfer business since joining MLS, it is reasonable to expect their last DP to be a big-name star. Neymar and Antoine Griezmann have been posited as potential options.

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