- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Both Chelsea and Manchester City have failed in their attempts to persuade a record-breaking youngster to come to England this summer.
It’s not often a player of any age rejects the chance to work with Pep Guardiola, who is now showcasing Phil Foden as his latest success story.
Along with Chelsea, City enjoy some of the best talent identification at all ages, rarely ever getting it wrong.
Of course, it’s similarly seldom that a player would resist the chance to move to either club, given their rich credentials.
However, TBR Football understands that is the case with AC Milan starlet Francesco Camarda, who has decided not to leave Italy.
The 16-year-old, who has made two senior appearances for the club thus far, has been in contract talks with Milan for months, but a deal was put on hold until the end of the season.
As a result, Chelsea and City both made their offers to the teenager, who was also subject to interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.
AC Milan wonderkid Francesco Camarda rejects Chelsea and Manchester City
Such is Camarda’s talent, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid have all spoken with his representatives too.
However, sources have confirmed to TBR that Camarda has opted to stay with Milan.
The centre-forward, who has scored nine goals in 16 games for Italy U17s, wants to begin his professional career at the San Siro.
Of course, this will be welcome news to Milan, who were always confident of keeping Camarda, a stance that was definitely tested with all the interest mentioned.
Record-breaking Camarda is the youngest player ever in Serie A
Having made his league debut for Milan last November, Camarda became the youngest to ever play in the Serie A.
At 15 years and 260 days, Camarda comfortably broke the record, and will now hope to create a long history with Milan.
Camarda does have a strong scoring record at all levels he’s played, also netting 10 in 33 games for Milan’s U19s.
And although it will be a blow for both Chelsea and Manchester City to miss out on his signature right now, perhaps they could return in a few years time.
All that being said, TBR can also reveal that Chelsea could be set for Premier League interest in one of their own strikers this summer.