Chelsea are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Barcelona’s young full-back Alejandro Balde, who is open to leaving Camp Nou.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are in contact with Barcelona over the prospect of signing Alejandro Balde. The Premier League outfit have a long-standing interest in the Barcelona left-back, who was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as far back as the summer of 2020.
While a move to west London could not materialise then, Chelsea are hopeful they can attract the youngster to Stamford Bridge this time around. Chelsea’s renewed interest in Balde comes in the midst of reports linking their own left-back Marcos Alonso to Barcelona, with the Spaniard reportedly agreeing a three-year deal with the Catalans.
A native of Catalonia, Balde is a homegrown prospect who had initially started his youth career at Espanyol. Since joining Barcelona, he has enjoyed a swift rise to prominence in the youth levels before eventually earning a promotion to the senior side at the start of last year.
With Jordi Alba nearing the final phase of his career, Balde was hopeful of making a breakthrough at Barcelona in the near future. But 18 months later, the youngster is staring at the prospect of potentially becoming the club’s third-choice option at left-back next season, as the Catalans close in on Alonso.
Even in the recently concluded 2021/22 campaign, the 18-year-old could not even muster 200 minutes of league action. It has left the Spanish prospect frustrated, with the player informing Barcelona of his desire to move on if they cannot offer him a prominent role in the coming season.
It has put Chelsea on red , as the Premier League giants scour the market for an ideal alternative for first-choice left wing-back Ben Chilwell. The Blues have considered a move for Rayan Ait-Nouri, but signing the Wolves starlet could turn out to be a costly affair.
As such, Chelsea are now exploring the possibility of signing Balde. The teenage prospect from Barcelona may not have proven himself at the highest level just yet, but he offers excellent pace, trickery, and physical qualities that make him a well-rounded left-back.
Balde has the tactical nous too and is capable of operating as a left wing-back or even as a winger if necessary. It makes him an ideal option for Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel, although given the youngster’s potential, the west Londoners may end up having to pay a fortune to secure his services this coming summer.
