Chelsea reportedly joined by EPL rivals in race for South American star

Chelsea will face stiff competition from Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to land Wilmar Barrios from the Argentine giants Boca Juniors this summer.

The Argentine TV sports channel TyC Sports state that the Toffees are the latest club to express a strong interest in the Colombian defensive midfielder.

The 24-year-old star is believed to have a release (buy-out) clause of €18 million (£16 million) and could make a switch to the Premier League in the new year.

There had been some talks that the player was on his way to the Blues in January, but a deal does not appear to be as straightforward.

The London-based giants Tottenham Hotspur themselves have reportedly been closely monitoring the midfielder for some time now.

Wilmar Barrios has drawn comparisons to France international N’Golo Kante in the past and is attracting plenty of Premier League interest.

The player caught the headlines in Russia versus England when he appeared to headbutt Liverpool captain and midfielder Jordan Henderson while defending a free-kick.


The last season, in all competitions (Primera División, Libertadores), Wilmar Barrios made 27 appearances and netted one goal.