Alejandro Balde will sign a new contract with Barcelona with a €500 million release clause after rumours of interest from Arsenal.
Fabrizio Romano has told Caught Offside that Alejandro Balde is set to renew terms with Barcelona in the coming days. The Arsenal target will sign a new deal, possibly for five more years, with a release clause of €500 million.
Alejandro Balde has seen a total rise in his development this season under Xavi Hernandez. The 19-year-old has become the club’s first-choice left-back this term, ousting Jordi Alba off the perch. The Catalan giants were looking for a long-term solution to the position, and it arrived internally.
The signing of Marcos Alonso in the summer indicated Barcelona were keen on strengthening the left-back position. But Balde staked a claim to the role despite the presence of the former Chelsea defender. The youngster has made the position his own following impressive displays since the start of the current campaign.
He had played five times in La Liga last season. Despite the two experienced heads of Alba and Alonso in front, Balde has featured most regularly. His impressive displays have also led to a call-up to Luis Enrique’s Spanish squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he earned his international debut.
In all, the future looks bright for Balde, and several clubs have reportedly been vying for his signature. Arsenal and Newcastle United have been credited with an interest, with both clubs keeping tabs on the 19-year-old’s development.
Even Manchester United and Chelsea got mentioned as suitors. But Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Balde will sign a new deal with Barcelona, which will contain a €500 million release clause. The news will end unwanted speculation regarding the Arsenal target and ensure the Catalan giants will have a solid left-back for the next many years.
Back in November, reports suggested Barcelona were keen on offering a five-year deal to Balde. The same could become the length of the new contract. Romano also touched upon the rumours linking with Arsenal and said the following.
“Barcelona are really close to agreeing on a new deal with Balde; it will happen soon. It’s about final details, and it could include a €500M release clause. My understanding is that Arsenal are not in talks to sign him as of now.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, were not expected to sign a left-back on priority. They remain well-stocked in the position. They were in the market for one during the summer but made a solid purchase in Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukrainian has since become Mikel Arteta’s primary choice this season.
Moreover, they have Kieran Tierney and even Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has played the role at times this season. The Gunners will continue to focus on bringing in Mykhaylo Mudryk and possibly a new midfielder before the current window shuts. They remain out of running for a new full-back as things stand.
