Alejandro Balde has reportedly turned down a ‘succulent’ transfer proposal from Chelsea as he looks set to extend his Barcelona contract.
This is according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim the Blues have made an unsuccessful attempt to sign the teenage defender.
Balde joined Barca from Espanyol in 2011 as an eight-year-old prodigy.
His rise through the ranks was rapid and is now a staple part of the Camp Nou B-Team.
He is viewed by the club’s hierarchy as one of their future stars, hence why they want to elongate his stay.
The 17-year-old’s deal runs out next June, but Mundo Deportivo state he will sign an agreement keeping him until 2026.
Ronald Koeman is yet to call the left-back up to his first team,. Yet, this step-up is only surely a matter of when not if.
Chelsea may curse this latest update, as they have apparently submitted an offer for Balde.
AC Milan also threw their hat into the ring, one that was admittedly chucked out by Barca.
It perhaps isn’t surprising that the Blues are trying to sign up and coming talents. They are on the verge of losing several from their own flock.
Marc Guehi is nearing a move to Crystal Palace, whilst Fikayo Tomori has already joined Milan permanently.
football.london said that Lewis Bate, Tino Livramento, and Myles Peart-Harris have decided against penning a new Chelsea contract.
This has seemingly struck fear into the hearts of those associated with Stamford Bridge, as academy products continue to flee the nest.