Barcelona youth target expected to join Real Madrid after rejecting PSG’s latest offer – report
· Yahoo Sports
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Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on the signing of Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, with Barcelona deciding against competing financially for the highly rated teenager.
According to SPORT, the Madrid giants have emerged as the preferred destination after Paris Saint-Germain failed to convince the player’s camp with their latest proposal and Bayern Munich dropped out of the race.
The 16-year-old forward has attracted considerable attention across Europe following his decision to seek an exit from Old Trafford.
Barcelona had explored the possibility of bringing him to Catalonia, but the club is understood to have stepped back rather than commit to the financial demands involved in the deal.
Hence, Real Madrid are now positioned to complete the move, although an official agreement has yet to be announced.
Real Madrid move ahead after PSG and Bayern Munich setbacks
Real Madrid are clear favourites to sign JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Gabriel’s future has developed into a competitive recruitment battle involving several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona.
His representatives have held discussions with potential destinations as the teenager looks for a pathway that supports his development.
Most recently, PSG made a renewed attempt to secure his signature by improving both the financial package and the sporting proposal.
However, the French club’s latest approach has been rejected, as Gabriel is said to favour development in Spanish football rather than moving to Ligue 1.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are no longer considered part of the contest, leaving Real Madrid in a stronger position.
Barcelona are not willing to meet financial demands to sign JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
This is largely because they are prepared to meet the financial requirements attached to the move, with the overall package expected to exceed €10 million across the next three seasons.
Barcelona refuse to enter a costly bidding war
As far as Barcelona are concerned, they had previously explored the possibility of signing Gabriel, with contacts involving his representative, Ali Barat, forming part of the club’s assessment.
However, the financial conditions have proved an important obstacle.
Hence, Barcelona have concluded that competing with the offers being discussed by Real Madrid and PSG would not be a sensible investment, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the teenager’s immediate first-team pathway.
As a result, Real Madrid now appear to be the clear favourites to land the 16-year-old talent,