Chelsea have received a significant boost in their quest to sign Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona.

The 18-year-old arrived at the Catalan giants from MVV Maastricht in Holland last year.

But Mbuyamba has not made the necessary impression and Barcelona are happy for him to leave this summer, per Spanish outlet Sport.

Juventus also have an interest in the player, but Chelsea are confident of signing him. Their interest was first reported by the player's agent earlier this month.

Speaking earlier this month, Mbuyamba's agent, Carlos Barros told IV: "Chelsea have the best credentials. Of course, we discussed this extensively last year.

"They gave a fantastic presentation. There is a unique football atmosphere there. During lunch you are immediately with the first-team players and the club has outlined a very ambitious plan for Xavier.

"They really think that in one to two years, he can be a starter in the first team. Frank Lampard has of course already proven that he is not afraid to start young players.

"Being in the starting line-up at Chelsea at the age of twenty would of course be great.

"The ambiguity [at Barcelona] is enormous. A new presidential election is coming and it could be that many new people will join the board. Politically it is very restless and sporting wise, there is a lot of division."