The academy graduate has reportedly signed a four-year deal with the Blues but will spend his first year on loan at Sporting Lisbon before travelling to London to join the squad

For all the latest reports and transfer rumours, visit our dedicated section here Chelsea have signed Barcelona youngster Gael Etock on a four-year deal, according to AS.

The 17-year-old will reportedly leave La Masia – where the Catalan club’s youngsters train – after five years despite Catalan chiefs being convinced he was a star of the future.

On July 5, the date he turns 18, the new Stamford Bridge signing will be loaned immediately to Sporting Lisbon, and will play for a year on loan in the Portuguese top flight before making the move to England.

Thorough tracking by the London club’s scouts is believed to have made the transfer possible, and compensation is expected to be paid for the striker, with some going to the Champions League holders and the rest to the Eto’o Foundation.

Etock was brought to the club when he was 12 as part of the foundation, which opened the doors to Europe for him and a number of other compatriots.

The Cameroonian forward will be the fourth Barcelona youth team player to leave the academy in as many weeks.

Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin are reportedly moving to Arsenal to develop, and midfielder Pepe Palau will return to Valencia, where he was prior to being picked up by the La Liga champions.