Real Madrid or Barcelona? JJ Gabriel finally makes his choice

Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of talented 16-year-old Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel.

Having been linked with him for the better part of two months, Los Blancos have managed to beat stiff competition to secure his signature.

While the deal has not been officially completed, it is expected to be in its final stages, with only the final paperwork remaining.

The 16-year-old attracted interest from several European giants, including Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich, but expressed a clear preference for Real Madrid.

Speaking to MARCA ahead of the impending transfer, Gabriel openly expressed his desire to move to the Spanish capital.

JJ Gabriel makes his Real Madrid preference clear

The teenage sensation was asked to choose between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and he couldn’t have been more emphatic in his response.

“Obviously, Real Madrid,” he said, leaving little doubt about where he sees his future (h/t Fabrizio Romano).

JJ Gabriel is on course to join Real Madrid. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Gabriel did not stop there, going on to reveal the enormous ambitions he has for his football career.

“My dream is to win the Ballon d’Or,” he quipped.

The 16-year-old is already in Spain, where he is carrying out an individual training programme as the club finalise his arrival.

Touted as the biggest English talent to emerge in a long time, it looks like Real Madrid have pulled off an excellent signing.

Real Madrid closing in on another exciting talent

Manchester United were very reluctant to let Gabriel leave, and Real Madrid still need to iron out the final details to make sure the deal goes through.

The teenager is already said to have informed other interested clubs of his decision to join Los Blancos.

JJ Gabriel is touted as the biggest talent in the English game in a long time. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Real Madrid have a clear plan to integrate him into the set-up. Despite being just 16, he is set to move straight into Castilla while remaining close to the first team.

Jose Mourinho is also said to have played a role in convincing the teenager that Real Madrid are the ideal next destination.

Gabriel is expected to be on the fringes of first-team training as the club look to bring him into the first-team picture in the coming years.

At just 16, Gabriel has lofty ambitions, like winning the Ballon d’Or, and what better place than Real Madrid to achieve them?

The challenge now is turning that ambition and talent into performances worthy of the expectations surrounding him and this transfer.