Chelsea target Felipe Anderson would be 'happy' for Barcelona chance

Lazio midfielder Felipe Anderson has admitted that he would be happy to have the opportunity to move to Barcelona in the future.

The Brazilian U21 international, who moved to the Stadio Olimpico from Santos in June 2013, has attracted strong interest from across the continent over recent months, with Premier League giants Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool all said to have dispatched scouts to watch him perform in Serie A.

Chelsea have also been mentioned strongly in connection with a potential bid for Anderson, a player who is currently contracted to Lazio until the summer of 2020 after signing an extension to his existing deal in March.

Barcelona's sporting director Ariedo Braida has previously rubbished reports that the La Liga leaders were tracking the 22-year-old, although such claims have done preciously little to calm the speculation regarding his future beyond the end of the current campaign.

"There has been a lot of talk," Anderson told Brazilian publication Globo as reported by Goal.

"At the moment I'm only thinking about Lazio. However, if an opportunity to play for a big club like Barcelona presented itself, I'd be happy."

Barcelona are not permitted to make any permanent signings in 2015 owing to a 14-month transfer ban that was first handed down last April after the club were adjudged to have breached FIFA rules on signing international players under the age of 18.

A subsequent appeal against the decision was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and recent reports, contested by both clubs, have suggested that rivals Atletico and Real Madrid could also face similar sanctions moving forward.

Whether such a lull will invite Anderson's Premier League suitors to steal a march in the race for his signature remains to be seen.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has previously been publicly alerted to Anderson's potential by none other than current Blues playmaker Oscar.

"He could really be useful here," he was quoted as saying earlier this season.

"We've played together at U20 level for Brazil and he was amazing. He can become even better and great players are always welcome at Chelsea."

Each of English football's biggest sides are expected to strengthen this summer in order to ensure that the 2015/16 title race is a far more competitive affair.

Manchester City in particular are widely expected to embark upon an overhaul of an ageing squad whose defence of their title this term can be described as limp at best.