Chelsea eye HUGE summer deal with Barcelona ‘ready to sell’

Barcelona are ready to sell Alejandro Balde this summer amid interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United, according to reports in Spain.

The 21-year-old has been a key figure under Hansi Flick so far this season, but Barcelona are willing to offload him if they receive an offer of €55 million in an attempt to ease their current financial woes.

That is according to Spanish publication Todo Fichajes, who claim that both Chelsea and Newcastle are closely monitoring Balde’s situation at Camp Nou as they ponder a possible summer bid.

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Marc Cucurella and Lewis Hall have performed well at left-back so far this campaign, for Chelsea and Newcastle respectively, however Balde is reportedly being lined up by both clubs amid Barcelona’s willingness to sell him.

Manchester United have also been tipped to pursue a move for the Spaniard in recent months, although their interest is likely to have reduced following the January arrival of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.

Balde’s current contract with Barcelona, which runs until 2028, includes a €1 billion release clause, however the Blaugrana are reportedly open to selling him for just €55m – despite the fact his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at just shy of €70m.

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Barcelona’s summer transfer plans revealed

If Barcelona are able to offload Balde this summer, they will use the funds to strengthen other areas of their first-team squad, according to Todo Fichajes.

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou since his stunning form at the 2024 European Championships, while Barcelona are also interested in purchasing a new centre forward.

Robert Lewandowski has scored 32 goals in 35 appearances so far this season, but the Blaugrana are hoping to sign Alexander Isak or Viktor Gyokeres in their bid to land a long-term replacement for the Poland international.