Transfer News: Chelsea submit bid for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo via TeamTalk (h/t Football.london), Chelsea have submitted a ‘top secret’ bid for upcoming Barcelona left-back, Alejandro Balde.
The 17-year-old is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia and is yet to make a senior appearance for the club. It appears that he has caught the eye of the Blues, who have submitted a bid in the region of £8.5million.
It goes without saying that Balde, if signed, would have to spend some time in the youth set-up before he can be thrown into the shark pit that is Premier League football.
The Blues aren’t in need of a first-team centre-back right now. Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso competed fiercely for first-team minutes last season while Emerson Palmieri is also in their ranks.
Chelsea want Barca starlet
Chelsea U23 full-back, Ian Maatsen, was out on loan at Charlton Athletic last season. If the 19-year-old Dutchman is ready to take the next step, it could leave a place to be filled in Andy Myers’ side.
As for the U18 team, Alex Kpakpe can use some competition down the left-hand side in defence. But if Chelsea do get a deal across the line for Balde, he could straightaway make the reserve team, something Thomas Tuchel would expect if the club dishes out a decent transfer sum for him.
Chelsea are set to have a welcome boost to transfer kitty that can give them the funds to splash elsewhere. According to The Evening Standard, Chelsea and Crystal Palace have agreed on a deal for Marc Guehi for a fee that can rise up to £20million.
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Nevertheless, only time will tell if the Blues can land the Spanish teenager who is making waves in Barcelona’s youth set-up.