Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly suffered a setback in their pursuit of Barcelona wonderkid Pau Cubarsi, who is prioritising a Camp Nou stay.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Premier League trio Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, as well as German heavyweight Bayern Munich, are keen to land Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, but the Catalans have a plan in place to fend off outside interest in their prodigy.
Pau Cubarsi may not have received as much attention as Lamine Yamal since breaking into the Barcelona first squad earlier this season, but he is still enjoying a fantastic season, especially considering he is only 17 years old.
Despite his youthfulness, he is now considered a nailed-on starter for the Catalan giants, with Xavi Hernandez opting for him over the experience of Inigo Martinez in the heart of defence.
In total, La Masia’s latest groundbreaking talent has racked up no fewer than nine La Liga appearances, all but one of which came by way of starts.
Understandably, Barcelona are very excited about Cubarsi, although they are somewhat at risk of losing him on the cheap, as his current deal has a release clause of just €10 million.
It should come as little surprise to hear of a host of clubs from across the continent beginning to circle around Cubarsi’s signature.
Chelsea and Arsenal are ready to take advantage by triggering the clause this summer. The Blues, for one, made an attempt to land Cubarsi last summer before he penned his Barcelona deal until 2026.
Barcelona’s strategy to keep Cubarsi
MD believes Barcelona will use the same strategy as they did with Lamine Yamal to keep Cubarsi.
That means the Catalans are anticipated to offer Cubarsi a lucrative deal when he turns 18. The new arrangement will last until 2030, with a €1 billion release clause inserted.
Barcelona have handed similar contracts to other young players, such as Gavi, Pedri, and Alejandro Balde. Even Ansu Fati has the same deal, and if all goes as planned, Yamal and Cubarsi will be the newest additions to the list.
The Catalans are particularly keen on closing a deal for Cubarsi as soon as possible, knowing the player’s stock is increasing with each passing game.
Cubarsi keen on a prolonged stay at Barcelona
As mentioned above, the 17-year-old defensive prodigy’s price- tag is around €10 million, which is a value many European giants are willing to pay given his world-class potential.
Luckily for Barcelona, the player himself has decided to put all the other offers on one side and is keen on continuing at Barcelona.
This might be a huge boost for the Catalans, allowing the club to ensure the Spaniard’s long-term future as he continues to flourish in European football.
