Chelsea will reportedly lose the race to sign 22-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder Patrik Mercado from Independiente del Valle, as he is closing in on joining Sevilla.

According to a report by AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, Patrik Mercado is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are eager to bolster their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the summer transfer window. So, the 22-year-old Independiente del Valle prospect has emerged as a target for the West London club.

However, the latest report brings bad news for Chelsea, as the South American midfielder is closing in on a move to La Liga club Sevilla in the summer transfer window. The Andalusian club wanted to sign Mercado earlier this year but could not seal the deal, as they had no vacant non-EU slot. So, they will finally land the youngster this summer, forcing Chelsea to look elsewhere.

Who is Patrik Mercado?

Patrik Mercado is the latest promising prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. Several young prodigies have burst into the spotlight at Independiente del Valle, in particular, with Piero Hincapie, Moises Caicedo, and Willian Pacho making their mark at the club before moving to Europe.

As for Mercado, the 22-year-old spent his formative years with Independiente del Valle and is now a regular for the first team. The Ecuadorian international has made over 100 appearances for the club thus far while chipping in with 11 goals and 13 assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Chelsea and Sevilla.

What next?

Chelsea’s interest in Patrik Mercado has been perplexing. While the Blues never shy away from signing promising prodigies, particularly from South America, they have stacked their midfield and offensive units. Additionally, Mercado primarily occupies a position where Cole Palmer is the first-choice starter for Chelsea. Nevertheless, the youngster will not join the West London club, as he is closing in on joining Sevilla.

Speaking of Sevilla, Los Nervionenses wanted to sign Mercado in the winter transfer window. However, the move did not materialise, as the Andalusian club had no vacant non-EU slot in the first-team squad. That will be mitigated this summer, paving the way for Mercado to arrive at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Sevilla will pay €6 million to sign Mercado from Independiente del Valle in the summer transfer window. With widespread reports suggesting Alexis Sanchez will leave the Andalusian club in the coming months, they should have a non-EU slot available to seal the deal. As for Chelsea, the Blues must look elsewhere for a midfield reinforcement this summer.