The Blues have stepped up their activity in the transfer market following the takeover being completed by the consortium led by Todd Boehly. Chelsea have now reignited their interest in young Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde and they are in conversations with the Catalan club as well as his agent Jorge Mendes. Mundo Deportivo claim that they are now trying to understand the player’s situation before taking steps.
18-year-old La Masia product Balde made his first team debut last September. The left-back, however, spent most of the time injured and could only make seven appearances over the course of the season. He also spent a large deal of time with Barcelona B and is yet to be promoted to the first team.
The Spaniard is yet to crack a spot in the first team and has previously mentioned his desire to leave if he doesn’t get enough minutes in the first team squad next season.
This is not the first time that Chelsea have made contacts with the player’s entourage. They have reached out for him before, even last summer as well as in January 2020. From the side of Barcelona, however, people believe that he might be used in an operation involving Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta who are wanted by the club.
Both the Spaniards have been on Barcelona coach Xavi’s radar for a long time now and their contractual situations are also interesting. Alonso has a year remaining on his contract and is being eyed as potential competition for Jordi Alba. Meanwhile, Azpilicueta is expected to consolidate the right flank and he is expected to be a free agent this summer as well.
As things stand, the teenager is under contract with Barcelona until 2024 and has a staggering release clause of 427 million pounds.
