Chelsea are reportedly planning to make a transfer to signal Independiente del Valle star Patrik Mercado, as per Spanish outlet AS.
After coming by the Ecuadorian aspect’s youth system, the 22-year-old made his first group debut again in 2022. Nonetheless, he initially struggled to seek out common recreation time earlier than establishing himself as a key starter final time period.
In 48 appearances throughout all competitions, Mercado scored seven objectives and registered 11 assists final yr. He even helped his aspect win the Serie A title.
After displaying glimpses of his qualities at Estadio Banco De Guayaquil, he has secured his place within the Ecuadorian squad and is more likely to be in subsequent summer season’s World Cup group.
Now, AS (through TEAMtalk) report that having been impressed by Mercado’s latest eye-catching performances, Chelsea have registered their curiosity in signing him.
The West London membership have been monitoring his growth intently earlier than making a possible swoop within the upcoming summer season switch window.
With the participant’s present deal set to run out on the finish of subsequent yr, Independiente de Valle is perhaps open to cashing-in on him this yr to keep away from dropping him without spending a dime.
Mercado to Chelsea
Nonetheless, buying the South American gained’t be easy for Chelsea as AFC Bournemouth, Fulham, and Brighton & Hove Albion are additionally involved in him.
Moreover, Sevilla are within the race and reportedly reached a verbal settlement to signal him. Nonetheless, they have been unable to register him, so the deal finally fell by. The membership are actually planning to finish the switch throughout the offseason.
Mercado is a artistic midfielder by trait however can also be snug within the box-to-box position. He’s technically sound, can create alternatives for fellow attackers, and can also be environment friendly in ending off his probabilities.
The 22-year-old is a proficient participant and possesses excessive potential. So, he is perhaps a shrewd acquisition for Chelsea ought to they buy him.
Nonetheless, it’ll be attention-grabbing to see whether or not Liam Rosenior’s aspect finally make a concrete method to safe Mercado’s service forward of subsequent season.
In the meantime, following a disappointing draw towards Burnley, Chelsea will face league chief Arsenal within the Premier League subsequent weekend.
