Chelsea FC have engaged in a transfer battle with Manchester United FC for 18-year old Facundo Pellistri. The starlet has caught the eye of several top sides with his impressive run of performances this season for Uruguayan side Penarol.
The Blues are hoping to add Pellistri to their ranks ahead of next season’s start, however, face a tough battle from other top sides. Besides Manchester United FC, Arsenal FC and Real Madrid also have declared interest in signing the 18-year old winger.
Italian giants Juventus have been the most enthusiastic in perusing Pellistri’s transfer, with reports suggesting that the Serie A side had sent scouts to watch the player in action. The Old Lady are keen to sign a new winger this summer, and Pellistri could be a great young addition to the team.
The Uruguayan attacker’s current deal with Penarol runs until 2022. The teenager, however, has a £10million release clause in his contract. Frank Lampard could be forced to trigger the release clause in order to sign Pellistri in a swift fashion.
The 18-year old attacker has so far made 23 appearances this season for Penarol, scoring one goal in the process.
Manchester United FC are a strong candidate to land the signature of Pellistri this summer. The Premier League side are hoping that their relationship with ex-United player Diego Forlan, who is now the head coach of Penarol, works in their favour.
Forlan had earlier spoken about Pellistri’s talent as a winger and how his development could be aided by greater work. However, the Penarol manager had admitted to the fact that it would be difficult to keep Pellistri at the club amid interest from many top European clubs.
Frank Lampard is sparing no expense to bolster his Chelsea FC squad in the ongoing transfer window. Besides Pellistri, Kai Havertz is a long-term target for the Blues’ coach. However, the German international is also subject to interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.