La Liga champions Barcelona have reportedly offered a new contract to 17-year-old Spanish international Pau Cubarsi, a target for Chelsea.
According to a report by Spanish outlet MARCA, Pau Cubarsi has a new contract on his table from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions want to tie the 17-year-old prodigy to a new contract amid interest from several Premier League bigwigs, including Chelsea.
Pau Cubarsi and his rising star
Pau Cubarsi is the latest graduate in the rich and fabled history of La Masia to make his mark in the first-team squad at FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants have had to depend on academy talent and cost-effective signings due to their never-ending financial issues. And several youth prospects have grabbed their opportunities with both hands.
Prodigies like Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal have become regulars for the Blaugrana in the last few campaigns. Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez and Cubarsi have graduated to the first-team squad this season. The 17-year-old has already turned out 13 times for Barcelona thus far this term and is growing in stature with every game.
The teenage sensation recently won the Man of the Match award on his UEFA Champions League debut as Barcelona beat Napoli to reach the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, he has made his international debut for Spain this week and will likely go to Germany for this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024. But the youngster’s progress has piqued the interest of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea.
Chelsea Interested
Chelsea’s interest in Pau Cubarsi is understandable. The West London club will likely part ways with Thiago Silva in the summer transfer window after the veteran Brazilian defender’s contract expires. So, the Blues need a long-term successor to Silva, with the Barcelona prodigy emerging as a viable target.
But the Spaniard does not want to go anywhere and is committed to Barcelona. While a release clause worth €10 million in his contract poses a problem, the reigning La Liga champions want to get rid of that by tying him to a new contract. And they have already offered him a deal.
Widespread reports have claimed that Cubarsi should sign a new contract with Barcelona when talks begin. With the Blaugrana offering him a deal, an agreement should be close. So, Chelsea must look elsewhere to bolster the defensive unit this summer.
