Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for Ismael Gharbi with 17-year-old PSG prodigy available as a FREE transfer

LIVERPOOL have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race for Paris Saint-Germain prodigy Ismael Gharbi.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is out of contract this summer and available on a free transfer.

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Goal claim Chelsea are keen to secure a deal for Gharbi once questions about their ownership are settled next month.

However, the Blues face a battle over the Frenchman from Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp continues to refresh his squad with young players in a bid to build a side for the next decade.

And Gharbi’s three senior PSG appearances this season have put him firmly on Klopp’s radar.

The teenager can play on either wing or as a number 10 behind the striker.

Gharbi is considered one of PSG’s brightest young talents and the club are keen to extend his contract.

But while the youngster’s priority is staying in Paris, he initially wants guarantees over first-team minutes next season.

The likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Angel Di Maria are all ahead of him in the pecking order.

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And with PSG continuing to spend in the hunt for their first-ever Champions League title, Mauricio Pochettino Gharbi may not be able to guarantee the action he craves.

However, should he leave the French capital, Gharbi has already achieved a lifelong ambition.

That was after he met idol Messi during the Argentine’s first PSG training session last summer.

And although he was just beginning his career, Gharbi humbly told the legendary striker: “If you need anything, I’m here for you.”