<\/p>\n
Chelsea<\/a> are leading the race to sign highly rated Manchester United<\/a> academy star JJ Gabriel, according to TEAMtalk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n United have placed a renewed emphasis on elite youth recruitment and development since the INEOS minority takeover of the 20-time English champions.<\/p>\n The philosophy has also been influenced significantly by Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell, whose backgrounds include youth development work at Manchester City<\/a> and within the Red Bull network.<\/p>\n So far, they have reinforced their youth ranks with Harley Emsden-James, Enzo Kana-Biyik, Sekou Kone, Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi and Diego Leon. Cristian Orozco, Tynan Thompson<\/p>\n However, while the reinforcements have been commendable, the pathway for the youngsters remains open for debate, leaving the youngsters susceptible to offers with better pathways.<\/p>\n One such case is United\u2019s highly rated forward Gabriel, who has reportedly expressed his desire to depart Old Trafford, with several clubs now looking to poach him from the Red Devils.<\/p>\n Among the interested clubs,\u00a0TEAMtalk<\/em> reports that Chelsea are leading the race to sign the exciting centre-forward from United.<\/p>\n Following the 15-year-old\u2019s decision to immediately depart the club, the Blues have emerged as the frontrunners and are doing everything possible to convince the youngster to move to Stamford Bridge, according to the report.<\/p>\n However, the London giants are set to face stern competition for Gabriel\u2019s signature from major clubs across Europe, with the report adding that Barcelona<\/a>, Real Madrid<\/a>, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have made contact with the youngster\u2019s camp.<\/p>\n In addition, TEAMtalk<\/em> adds that Premier League<\/a> rivals Arsenal<\/a> as well as Tottenham<\/a> Hotspur, Liverpool<\/a> and Manchester City have also presented offers for the England U17 international.<\/p>\n Similar to Man Utd, Chelsea under Clearlake have increasingly built their recruitment strategy around identifying and developing young talent, making their interest in Gabriel understandable.<\/p>\n Their scouting operation now stretches across Europe, South America, North America and even Africa, giving the London giants a broad network for discovering promising players.<\/p>\n The club have continued that approach in the recently concluded summer transfer<\/a> window by signing Harrison Bettoni from Wigan and highly rated Scottish centre-back Alfie Osborne from Hearts. Chelsea also reportedly have a deal in principle with FC Dallas for 15-year-old Benji Flowers.<\/p>\n\u2018Amazing\u2019 talent<\/h2>\n
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