Barcelona were successful in beating Chelsea to Raphinha and Jules Koundé in the summer and the two sides were also involved in a deal that saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swap the Camp Nou for Stamford Bridge towards the end of the window.
The west London club terminated Marcos Alonso’s contract and he ended up joining the La Liga side. He is competing with Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde for a place in the starting lineup.
Xavi Hernández has preferred 18-year-old in the league, ahead of Alba. The former has three assists from five matches this term. His fine displays seem to have caught Chelsea’s attention.
The teenager came up through the ranks of the Catalan club’s youth system and is now a regular under Xavi. Chelsea are ‘willing to put €15m’ on the table for one of the ‘great jewels’ of Barca’s academy.
It’s suggested a move to London would be a ‘golden opportunity’ to make a leap in his career. Irrespective of whether he is at Chelsea or Barca, Balde will likely have to compete for a place in the starting XI.
