Boost for Chelsea as Barcelona are willing to sell midfield starlet amid contract stand-off

Transfer News: Chelsea get boost in chase for Ilaix Moriba

According to transfer news from The Sun, Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Ilaix Moriba. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that the player needs to renew his contract with the club. In case he does not, he will be free to leave the club.

Despite all the doom and gloom surrounding Barcelona last season, their youngsters were a ray of hope. Players like Pedri, Dest and Moriba were among some of the names that impressed quite a bit. However, it is Ilaix Moriba who has put Barcelona in a spot of bother. His current deal is set to end in a year.

Laporta issues warning to Moriba

But the problem has been the wage demands from his camp. With Barcelona not in the best of financial situations, they are not able to fulfil those. They do remain keen on keeping the midfielder but an ultimatum has been issued by club president Joan Laporta.

“We will try to make sure that his case is not repeated anymore. He has one year left on his contract and does not want to accept the club’s conditions. We do not accept that and we want to send a message to the team. If you do not want to renew, we have other solutions. What we don’t want our players made at La Masia who don’t want to renew.

“He’s a player we’ve given opportunities, but the club is above all. I would like you [Moriba] to think again. We cannot allow him to be promoted and then leave. We won’t accept that with any player. If he wants to go and it’s because he has other options, he can leave the club”.

Chelsea have been one of the clubs keeping a track of the player’s situation at Barcelona. With Laporta keeping the option of a sale open, Chelsea can secure the youngster on a cut-price deal. The talented midfielder has often been compared to France star Paul Pogba.

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This is a situation Chelsea can take real advantage of. Moriba is not bending on his demands and neither are Barcelona conforming to them. A potential exit could well come to fruition this season itself and Chelsea could be where he plays his football.