Paris Saint-Germain have launched a rival bid for Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo in the hope of beating Barcelona and Chelsea to the 18-year-old's signature, 90min understands.
Chelsea failed with a summer bid for Moscardo and, while they remain interested in the Brazilian, are concerned that his preference may be to head elsewhere. Sources have confirmed that reports of an agreement to take Moscardo to Stamford Bridge are wide of the mark.
Indeed, Moscardo is believed to be more intrigued by a move to Barcelona, who have been working hard to force their way to the front of the queue for the Corinthians youngster.
To try and fend off the competition, PSG have held talks over a January move for the starlet and hope their willingness to do business in the winter - the end of the Brazilian season - will aid their cause.
Barcelona's financial issues with La Liga will limit their ability to sign players in January, when they have already committed to the €40m (£35m) acquisition of another young Brazilian, Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque.
As a result, Camp Nou officials are working to convince both Moscardo and Corinthians to wait until the summer of 2024 which, while more practical for Barcelona, could be problematic as it falls right in the middle of the Brazilian season.
Moscardo recently confirmed his intention to evaluate his options in the January transfer window.
"To tell the truth, I have little information, my father knows some things, he prefers not to tell me so as not to influence my mind too much and take my focus away from things [with Corinthians]," he said. "Let's wait for the season to end, there are a few games left, we'll see what we do."
Moscardo still has interest from the Premier League, where Arsenal and Liverpool have both joined Chelsea in following the midfielder, but PSG are attempting to steal a march on the competition and strike a deal in January.
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This article was originally published on 90min as PSG launch rival approach for Barcelona & Chelsea target Gabriel Moscardo.