With Youssoufa Moukoko's Borussia Dortmund contract set to expire next summer, clubs all around Europe are jostling for the first place in the queue to sign the promising 18-year-old.
While the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool have been linked in recent weeks, a new report claims that Spanish giants Barcelona have won the race for his highly-sought-after signature.
Having only just got back from the FIFA World Cup, where he played a bit-part role as Germany crashed out in the group stages, the forward was expected to take a bit more time to weigh up his various offers. Indeed, remaining at Borussia Dortmund, the club where he rose through the ranks to become a regular starter this season, was also an option - as few clubs in world football can claim to have a better reputation for developing young talent.
In the last few years alone the likes of Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham have all made their names in Dortmund yellow. And yet, having played just 59 times for BVB across three seasons, the record breaking youngster could already be on the move.
Advert
Spanish outlet Sport report that Moukoko has now 'decided to join FC Barcelona' next summer on a free transfer - a move that will come as a surprise to many.
Questions will naturally be asked over where he fits into the current Barca frontline, which is already bolstered by former Dortmund men Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele.
Comfortable on either wing or in the centre-forward position, Moukoko has scored 11 Bundesliga goals in 44 appearances so far, having been prolific previously at youth level.
Advert
He first rose to prominence on social media as a direct result of his outrageous youth record, with the German scoring 141 goals in 88 games for Dortmund's U17 and U19 sides.
While nothing has been confirmed by Barcelona or the player himself, the Sport report will worry Chelsea fans who'd hoped for a new arrival at the club next month.
With striker Armando Broja out for months due to a ruptured ACL, Chelsea were thought to be keen on bringing in a new forward in January. Liverpool and Manchester United were also linked with Moukoko, who has already been heralded as the 'next Haaland' by many in Germany on account of his incredible potential.
Earlier this month German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten claimed that the player was close to reaching an agreement on a new BVB contract, but hopes within the club are fading fast.
Advert
In spite of their - and indeed Chelsea's - best efforts, it appears Xavi and Barcelona have instead secured the signature of one of the world's most exciting prospects.
From 27-28th December, watch all Premier League games live, including Chelsea vs Bournemouth, Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest, Leeds United vs Manchester City and more. Watch for free with a 30-day free trial to Prime!
Topics: Youssoufa Moukoko, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Chelsea, Germany
Tom Fenton