La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly ready to open talks with the agents of Pau Cubarsi over a new contract.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Pau Cubarsi will soon see Barcelona approaching his representatives over a new contract. The 17-year-old still has over two years remaining on his deal with the Blaugrana. But the presence of a meagre release clause worth €10 million has put them in a spot of bother, with several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea, interested in him.
The rise of Pau Cubarsi this season
Pau Cubarsi is the latest highly-rated wonderkid to play for the Barcelona first team. The Catalan giants have overseen the integration of many promising prospects during Joan Laporta’s current reign as the president. That has been partly due to their never-ending financial issues, forcing them to delve into the resources at La Masia.
However, many prospects, including Gavi and Lamine Yamal, have risen to the occasion to become pivotal figures for Barcelona. The 17-year-old is also doing that, growing in stature with every passing week. The Spaniard has already turned out 11 times thus far for Barcelona this season, chipping in with an assist.
Such has been his impact in the early days of his career at the club level that reports have suggested that he might be on the plane to Germany to represent Spain at UEFA Euro 2024. But Cubarsi’s contract with Barcelona has a meagre release clause worth €10 million, which has alerted several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea.
Chelsea Keen
Chelsea’s interest in Pau Cubarsi is understandable. The Blues were keen on signing him last summer, but a move failed to materialise. Meanwhile, with Thiago Silva likely to end his stint with the West London club in the summer transfer window, Chelsea will need a long-term replacement.
Several candidates, including Cubarsi, have thus emerged on Chelsea’s radar. But the Blues face an uphill task pursuing the highly-rated 17-year-old wonderkid, who does not want to leave Barcelona. In addition, the reigning La Liga champions want to tie him to a new contract.
An agreement over a new deal will help Barcelona get rid of the release clause of €10 million and secure his long-term future. With the Spaniard prioritising his stay at the Catalan club, Chelsea must look elsewhere for defensive reinforcement.
