ARSENAL are interested in signing Barcelona wonderkid Alejandro Balde, according to reports.
At 19, the full-back is already a regular in Xavi’s side.
He has entered the final 18 months of his Barca contract, and the Catalan side are experiencing complications in trying to agree an extension.
Xavi and Co want to offer Balde an extension that would keep him at the club until 2027.
But due to their precarious financial situation and LaLiga’s salary cap rules, they would not be able to register him as a first-team player if he were to pen a new deal.
According to Spanish paper Sport, the situation is “frustrating” Balde.
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They understand that the youngster is eager to secure his future.
And the situation has alerted Arsenal to his potential availability.
Should he be up for grabs, the Gunners would face competition from moneybags Newcastle.
Despite his contractual situation, Balde is unlikely to come cheap.
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Barcelona are extremely reluctant to sell, and it could take an enormous bid to change their minds.
Balde has made 25 first-team appearances for Barca, including 18 this term.
He has also burst onto the scene for his country, earning a place in Luis Enrique’s 26-man Spain squad for the World Cup.
Despite having been uncapped going into the tournament, Balde featured in all four of La Roja’s games in Qatar, as they were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
