EDITOR’S PICK
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Chelsea has reportedly made contact with Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde over a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge.
The Catalan giants have long been linked with moves for Chelsea’s Spanish duo and had held talks with skipper Azpilicueta before he triggered an appearance clause in his contract which added an extra year to his deal.
Nevertheless, after a decade at the club, the west London side’s hierarchy are believed to be open to letting him move to Camp Nou in exchange for a nominal fee.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are prepared to use Barca’s interest in Alonso and Azpilicueta to land one of their highest-rated young defenders, killing two birds with one stone in the process.
The 18-year-old played five times for Barcelona this season after joining their academy in 2011.
Balde has just two years to run on his current Nou Camp deal. And the potential arrival of Alonso threatens to restrict his minutes even further.
Balde has now asked Barcelona to clarify his position in Xavi Hernandez’s squad. And it could open the door for a stunning move to London.
Chelsea are thought to have enquired about Balde last summer, as well as in January 2021. The defender has a release clause of £427million.
But Chelsea could take advantage of Barca’s interest in Alonso – and captain Cesar Azpilicueta – to seal a deal. The Blues are yet to make a signing this summer.
FURTHER READING
But it’s reckoned Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is growing ever nearer to a London transfer.
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