Arsenal are reportedly prepared to ‘pounce’ on Barcelona’s 19-year-old winger, Alejandro Balde and have got in touch with the player’s reps as Barcelona’s finances cause them issues once again.

Spain's defender #14 Alejandro Balde controls the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E football match between Spain and Costa Rica at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on November 23, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Spain’s defender #14 Alejandro Balde controls the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E football match between Spain and Costa Rica at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on November 23, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Although Barcelona have offered Alejandro Balde a new deal, they are unable to register him, despite the winger breaking into the first team under Xavi.

His current deal expires next season and the new deal would tie him to the club until 2027.

Sport in Spain report that Balde is wanted by both Arsenal and Newcastle amid the problems with Barcelona’s finances.

The player is said to be ‘frustrated’ with the situation, which would see any payrise delayed until the summer, at the earliest, while they would not be able to register him as a first-team player.

Blade has made 26 appearances for Barcelona, scoring none but assisting three, averaging around 55 minutes per game.

Barcelona’s financial problems

FC Barcelona's head coach Xavi looks down during a press conference in Plzen, Czech Republic, on October 31, 2022, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group C football match FC Viktoria Plzen v FC Barcelona. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP) (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)
FC Barcelona’s head coach Xavi looks down during a press conference in Plzen, Czech Republic, on October 31, 2022, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group C football match FC Viktoria Plzen v FC Barcelona. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP) (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)

FC Barcelona has had financial difficulties in recent years.

In 2020, the club reported that it had a debt of over 1 billion euros, largely due to the costs of building the new Espai Barça stadium and the acquisition of players.

The club has had to take out loans and has also had to sell some of its top players in order to generate revenue.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the club’s finances, as the suspension of sports leagues around the world has led to a decline in revenue from television rights and ticket sales.

Barcelona has taken steps to address its financial issues, including reducing its wage bill and implementing cost-cutting measures, however they still continue to impact the player side of their business, as Balde’s situation shows.

La Masia

Alejandro Balde is a product of La Masia, is one of the most renowned youth academies in the world, and is currently valued at around €15m.

La Masia is located at the club’s training facility, the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and is responsible for developing some of the best young talent in the game.

Founded in 1979, it has produced a number of world-class players over the years, including Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Carles Puyol, and Lionel Messi. The academy is known for its emphasis on technical skills and possession-based play, and has helped to develop a unique style of play that is associated with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

In addition to producing talented players, La Masia also serves as a residence for young players who are training with the academy. This allows the players to focus on their development both on and off the field, and helps to create a close-knit community within the academy.