Chelsea line up shock transfer swoop for Barcelona star Alejandro Balde as Ben Chilwell replacement
CHELSEA are reportedly set to make a daring bid for Barcelona star Alejandro Balde to replace Ben Chilwell for next season.
Spanish wonderkid Alejandro Balde‘s current contract with Barcelona ends in 2024.
The 19-year-old has burst through the ranks at the Spanish team, establishing himself as Xavi Hernandez’s first-choice left-back, ahead of more seasoned campaigners like Jordi Alba.
The teen has even made it into the Spanish national team, impressing with his performances on the international stage.
The Catalans have been hard at work to try and renew Balde’s contract until 2027, with talks reportedly going well with his agent, Jorge Mendes.
Mendes allegedly wants Barça to hand the teen a contract that reflects his performance, possibly with a salary that equals that of Pedri or Ansu Fati, who renewed last year.
However, the Barcelona youngster has also been rumoured to be a target for the Blues as the summer window approaches.
While both Balde and his representative want him to continue at Barcelona, Mendes reportedly warned the Spanish team that there are other competitors in the race for the teen.
According to SPORT, Chelsea are understood to be the most interested in the young star, having previously looked at signing him in 2019.
The Premier League heavyweights are rumoured to be unhappy with their left-back options, Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella.
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After being signed from Leicester City for £50m, Chilwell has suffered with injury over the last two seasons, and has only now begun to find his form in matches.
The full-back has also emerged as a transfer target for rival team Manchester City, as a replacement for Joao Cancelo after his falling out with manager Pep Guardiola.
Last year Chelsea manager Graham Potter picked up left-back Cucurella from Brighton with a £60m deal, but the Spaniard initially struggled to settle into the team amid personal problems, and was even booed by his own supporters during one match.
Chilwell’s absences and Cucurella’s struggles have likely led the Blues to look elsewhere for a top-level specialist on the field, and Balde would fit the bill.
And having previously spent large sums in securing these players, Blues owner Todd Boehly would be unlikely to balk at forking out on Balde if needed.
Balde publicly left his future open a few weeks ago, giving Chelsea hope that they might be able to snatch him from Barcelona.