Barcelona have 'almost ruled out' the signing of 18-year-old Chelsea target

With Joao Cancelo likely to arrive from Manchester City imminently, Barcelona have ‘almost ruled out’ the signing of Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda, reports SPORT.

Instead, the 18-year-old right-back appears to be headed for Premier League club Chelsea, who plan on loaning him out immediately after signing him.

Barcelona have been linked with Fresneda throughout the summer transfer window. The teenage right-back was sporting director Deco’s bet, who sought the youngster’s signing as a long-term solution to the position.

The initial plan was to secure Fresneda’s signing and wait to finalise Cancelo’s capture with the former staying and continuing his development before taking over next season.

The possibility of signing Fresneda and loaning him out once Cancelo’s arrival was guaranteed had also been considered.

The La Liga champions had even made a bid for Fresneda, offering Valladolid a sum of €8 million plus variables, which was rejected.

But, that idea no longer appears feasible for the Blaugrana, more so with the Financial Fair Play issues not relenting.

As such, Barcelona have pretty much ruled out the signing of Fresneda, with Chelsea now understood to be best placed to sign him.

The report also adds that Valladolid prefer to sell the Spaniard to Chelsea rather than Barça as the Blues would be offering a bigger fee for the teenager.

Deco had been the main driving force behind Barcelona’s pursuit of Fresneda. But Xavi and the coaching staff preferred a more experienced individual like Cancelo.

And with seemingly no room to accommodate both players, the Blaugrana have decided to bet on the Manchester City star, with the Real Valladolid starlet’s signing almost ruled out now.