Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Corinthians teenager Gabriel Moscardo.
The big-spending West Londoners signed 12 players during the summer transfer window for a combined figure in excess of £400m, with the majority of their new recruits aged between 18 and 23.
Co-owner Todd Boehly was allegedly keen to acquire the services of another youngster in the form of 17-year-old midfielder Moscardo before the deadline, but a move ultimately failed to materialise.
Brazilian news outlet Lance claims that Chelsea saw an offer rising to €25m (£21.5m) rejected by Corinthians for Moscardo, but the Blues remain in negotiations with the Brazilian club even though the transfer window has closed.
Corinthians are believed to value Moscardo closer to €30m (£25.8m), with the Sao Paulo-based side owning 80% of the youngster's economic rights, while the remaining 20% belong to the player himself.
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Mauricio Pochettino would not have been able to integrate Moscardo into his squad had Chelsea agreed a fee this summer as the midfielder does not turn 18 until the end of this month.
Nevertheless, the Blues remain keen to fend off competition from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Barcelona for the youngster's signature.
Arsenal are said to have 'sought information' about Moscardo after he made his competitive debut for Corinthians at the end of June.
Both Man City and Barca have also been closely monitoring the highly-rated midfielder, who is under contract with Corinthians until the summer of 2026.
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However, it is understood that Chelsea may have an advantage in the race for Moscardo as the teenager shares the same agent as fellow Brazilian's Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington who both joined the Blues from Santos this summer.
Chelsea are said to have a 'good relationship' with agent Giuliano Bertolucci and remain hopeful that they can strike a deal with Corinthians for Moscardo.
The potential departure of Moscardo for a fee in excess of €25m would represent a club-record sale for Corinthians, with their current record sale standing at €20m that they received from Tottenham Hotspur for Paulinho in 2013.
Since making his professional debut just three months ago, Moscardo has made 11 first-team appearances for Corinthians as a defensive midfielder, including 10 starts.
Oliver Thomas
