Arsenal and Newcastle are considering recruiting Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde after being impressed by his performance for the Blaugrana this season.
This season, the 19-year-old has earned more opportunities with the first squad after Xavi has been impressed with his efforts.
He came via La Masia, Barcelona’s famous youth academy, and has done well with his chances with the first squad, prompting interest from above.
The two Premier League clubs are keen to test Barcelona’s resolve and wish to see if the Spanish club would budge in their hope of keeping Balde.
Balde’s contract with Barcelona expires at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, and the Blaugrana are aiming to extend it in the coming months to prevent losing him for nothing.
Barcelona is going through some financial challenges, which has caused them to change their transfer plans and even struggle to sign players in the past.
Alejandro Balde’s first half by numbers vs. Atletico Madrid:
100% long balls completed
100% aerial duels won
96% pass accuracy
33 touches
25 passes completed
2/2 tackles won
2/2 ground duels won
2 clearances
1 key passEnjoying his evening on the left-hand side. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/anrlX09rTn
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 8, 2023
Even if Balde does agree on a new deal, he won’t be registered as a first-team player, which has proven to be a source of frustration for the young left-back.
The two Premier League clubs, Arsenal and Newcastle, see this as a sign of encouragement and they could be tempted to make a move in the coming months.
Balde’s meteoric rise has piqued the interest of not only Barcelona but also the Spanish national squad under Luis Enrique.
He was included in the squad that traveled to Qatar for the World Cup, replacing Jose Gaya, who lost out on the tournament due to a late injury.
Barcelona is determined to stave off interest from other clubs in Balde and secure his long-term future at Camp Nou.
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