Chelsea submit ‘top secret’ £8.5m bid for young Barcelona defender

Alejandro Balde of Barcelona is the subject of a transfer bid from Chelsea. (imago Images)

Transfer News: Chelsea submit bid for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo via TeamTalk (h/t Football.london), Chelsea have submitted a ‘top secret’ bid for upcoming Barcelona left-back, Alejandro Balde.

The 17-year-old is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia and is yet to make a senior appearance for the club. It appears that he has caught the eye of the Blues, who have submitted a bid in the region of £8.5million.

It goes without saying that Balde, if signed, would have to spend some time in the youth set-up before he can be thrown into the shark pit that is Premier League football.

Alejandro Balde (L) of Barcelona vies for the ball against Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko. (imago Images)

The Blues aren’t in need of a first-team centre-back right now. Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso competed fiercely for first-team minutes last season while Emerson Palmieri is also in their ranks.

Chelsea want Barca starlet

Chelsea U23 full-back, Ian Maatsen, was out on loan at Charlton Athletic last season. If the 19-year-old Dutchman is ready to take the next step, it could leave a place to be filled in Andy Myers’ side.

As for the U18 team, Alex Kpakpe can use some competition down the left-hand side in defence. But if Chelsea do get a deal across the line for Balde, he could straightaway make the reserve team, something Thomas Tuchel would expect if the club dishes out a decent transfer sum for him.

Balde in action for the Spain U17 national team against England U17. (imago Images)

Chelsea are set to have a welcome boost to transfer kitty that can give them the funds to splash elsewhere. According to The Evening Standard, Chelsea and Crystal Palace have agreed on a deal for Marc Guehi for a fee that can rise up to £20million.