Chelsea close to finalising a deal to sign LA Galaxy’s Vicente Garcia | OneFootball

Chelsea are closing in on signing LA Galaxy midfielder Vicente Garcia, according to The Athletic.

The 16-year-old has agreed to join Chelsea once he turns 18 in the summer of 2028.

The Blues are expected to pay around $3 million (£2.25m) initially, plus potential add-ons.

Sources familiar with the negotiations have indicated that the agreement is close to being finalised.

Garcia will remain with LA Galaxy until he is old enough to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

The teenager has already made a name for himself in the United States, having signed his first professional contract with Galaxy as a homegrown player in January 2025.

At just 14 years and 198 days old, Garcia became the fifth-youngest player in MLS history to sign a professional deal.

The incoming Chelsea ace has continued to progress this season, making 16 appearances for Ventura County FC in MLS Next Pro, contributing three goals and four assists.

Garcia was also included in LA Galaxy’s senior squad for the first time earlier this month, sitting on the bench for their goalless draw against FC Dallas.

Internationally, he remains eligible for both the United States and Mexico, having represented both nations at youth level.

He was most recently involved with the US Under-17 set-up at a camp in June.

Chelsea pursuing Garcia fits neatly into their increasingly aggressive approach to recruiting teenage prospects from around the world.

The west London club have already agreed a similar arrangement for FC Dallas youngster Benji Flowers,

It was the same way Chelsea handled deals for Kendry Paez, Caleb Wiley and Gaga Slonina.

Garcia now looks set to become the latest addition to that long-term project, with Chelsea determined to secure the best young talent before the competition emerges.

Chelsea have already signed Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson, and Danny Welbeck. Pep Chavarria is expected to join next.