Recent reports reveal English Premier League giants Chelsea are competing with Inter Milan for youngster Igor Lichnovsky, the player’s agent confirmed.
The 17-year-old central defender currently plays for Universidad de Chile, having made his senior team debut in November. He has made three more appearances since then and looks to cement his place in the first team by next season.
Rodrigo Robles, his agent, confirmed that the Blues were interested in his client but so were Serie A side Inter Milan. According to him the two European giants were prepared to battle it out for the young central defender, who has impressed many since making his debut.
“After Chelsea's interest, Inter Milan are now seriously interested in Lichnovsky.
I'm in continuous contact with the Italian club and they have asked me what price he would be available for.
When Inter bid for Edu Vargas when he was at Unviersidad de Chilie (now at Napoli), they also expressed their desire to sign Igor.”
Chelsea recently signed a centre back from Bolton Wanderers, Gary Cahill. The 26-year-old is expected to play alongside John Terry or David Luiz, whoever he partners better. While he is a player for the current and upcoming seasons, the Blues would need a long term replacement for the skipper.
The England captain looks to be going strong but will lose out his place in the first team in the next few seasons, and while Chelsea currently have the likes of Gary Cahill and Luiz to replace him they would need younger players for the future.
This is where Lichnovsky comes in. With Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas focused on building a squad for the future, he will definitely want a talented player like the Chilean to come in at Stamford Bridge. First team football would obviously not be guaranteed at this stage but he would have the opportunity to prove himself to the Premier League outfit.
Upon his arrival, Lichnovsky would most likely be loaned out to lower Premier League or Championship sides so he can acquire a taste of English football. After a year or two, when the Blues are assured of his talent and experience would he be brought to the first team.
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