Chelsea, Arsenal dealt blow as Barcelona starlet opts to stay

Chelsea and Arsenal look certain to miss out on one of their top summer targets, with Abel Ruiz keen on staying at Barcelona.

The 18-year-old’s contract expires in June but talks between his agent and the club’s board are said to have lead to an agreement for him to stay at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona have been concerned over the number of young stars they have lost down the years, and with the Premier League duo and other top clubs keen on Ruiz the player himself has admitted that talks are progressing.

“We are in talks and we could close the deal in the coming days”, the promising striker told Sport.

“I don’t see myself playing for any other club”.

Ruiz scored a goal and provided an assist as Barca won the UEFA Youth League on Monday after beating Chelsea 3-0 in the final in Switzerland.