Chelsea are reportedly interested in Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde as a potential transfer target this summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blues have now set their sights on the 18-year-old defender.
In fact, it is understood Chelsea have actually made contact with the teenager’s representatives over a possible move to Stamford Bridge, with his agent the well-known Jorge Mendes.
The report states Balde has informed Barcelona he’d like a move away from the Camp Nou if they don’t provide him with more first-team minutes moving forward.
Incidentally, he’s got a release clause worth around €500million (£427million).
Chelsea interested in Alejandro Balde
Balde, 18, is a young full-back that prefers to play as a left-back.
He’s made seven first-team appearances so far in a Barcelona shirt, including a couple in the Champions League group stages. However, he’s desperate to kick on now with more senior action.
It’s going to be interesting to see if Chelsea can tempt him to Stamford Bridge given the player’s desire for minutes.
Balde was previously linked with the Blues last year before he ended up staying in Spain, so he’s not a completely new target.
Mundo Deportivo’s report mirrors recent claims that Barcelona are interested in Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. Therefore, could some kind of deal be arranged between the parties over a summer swap?
If Balde did end up joining Thomas Tuchel’s squad, you’d have to guess it would be to provide competition for Blues wing-back Ben Chilwell.
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