Arsenal and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Alejandro Balde’s situation at Barcelona, with his current contract expiring next year.
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest prospects at Barca over the last 18 months, becoming a regular in the first team this season and picking up four caps for Spain in 2022.
The left-back has started 13 of Barcelona’s 16 La Liga games over this campaign so far, also making four appearances.
He is extremely well thought of in at the Camp Nou and has been offered a new contract which would run until 2027, but due to the club’s ongoing financial struggles mean they have hit difficulties.
Spanish publication report that the salary cap in La Liga means that the contract offer to Balde is not feasible, and while both club and player are keen to renew, it is a stumbling block they have not been able to overcome so far.
The new contract could be signed in the summer, but Balde is obviously keen to bag a salary increase sooner than that.
As the uncertain situation continues, Arsenal and Newcastle are reportedly paying close attention to it and will look to pounce if Balde appears to be available.
A move to the Premier League will not happen in January, but if the contract situation is not sorted out by the summer then Balde could be tempted by a switch to England.
The teenager has hinted at interest in the Premier League before, but it was Old Trafford he had in mind rather than the Emirates or St James’ Park, naming Manchester United as a club he would like to play for.
In a quick-fire Q&A with on , Balde was asked, ‘A club other than Barcelona?’, replying, ‘United’.
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