Chelsea register interest in 22y/o Ecuadorian sensation but Prem trio plot rival ‘approaches’ – Exclusive

Chelsea are among a host of Premier League clubs showing interest in highly-rated midfielder Patrik Mercado, who could follow in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo by leaving Ecuadorian side Independiente Del Valle for the Premier League.

Mercado, 22, has been making waves in his homeland and is widely tipped to secure a spot in Ecuador’s squad for the upcoming World Cup finals, and he is attracting serious interest ahead of a pivotal summer window.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that the dynamic midfielder is set to be on the move this summer, with his performances catching the eye of scouts across Europe and South America.

Independiente Del Valle has a history of developing top-class talents, with Caicedo, Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie and PSG star Willian Pacho just some of their academy graduates.

Mercado, a dynamic midfielder who can play in number 10, eight, or six roles, has made 116 appearances for the club so far, notching 11 goals and 13 assists.

Sources confirm talks have already taken place with Brazilian giants Vasco Da Gama and Palmeiras, while European sides Wolfsburg, Braga, and Sevilla have also held conversations regarding a potential move for Mercado.

However, we can reveal that Premier League sides are firmly in the mix, with Chelsea, under Liam Rosenior, one of four English sides watching his situation…

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Prem trio plotting rival approaches for Ecuadorian sensation

Sources confirm Brighton, Bournemouth, and Fulham have all registered their interest in Mercado, with sources indicating that the trio could make formal approaches in the coming weeks.

BlueCo, Chelsea’s owners, have also looked at Mercado. It is believed, however, that this could be more with a view to him joining Strasbourg, rather than the Blues.

But should Chelsea look to bring Mercado to the Premier League in future, signing him from their sister club would be far more straightforward than from elsewhere.

With Mercado’s stock rising and a World Cup on the horizon, the battle for his signature is expected to intensify as clubs across the globe look to secure one of South America’s most promising midfield talents.

Latest Chelsea news: Alvarez battle / Delap in demand

Meanwhile, we have revealed how Chelsea could go head-to-head with Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid’s superstar forward Julian Alvarez this summer.

The Blues are receiving ‘weekly’ updates on the ex-Manchester City man’s situation, and he is open to moving to London if he doesn’t get his dream switch to Barcelona.

In other news, Liam Delap is fighting for his future at Chelsea after struggling to impress since joining from Ipswich Town.

Everton remain interested after missing out on the forward last summer and are primed to move for Delap should Chelsea decide to sanction an early sale.

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