Chelsea have reportedly tabled an offer for Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde, with their Premier League rivals Manchester United also showing interest in him.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues are searching for a new left-back in the summer after Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell failed to impress.
Both of Chelsea’s current left-backs are unreliable and they have uncertain futures at the club.
Last season, Balde replaced Jordi Alba in the starting lineup, causing the veteran to depart on a free transfer and join Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer.
Chelsea have wasted no time to make a move
However, the left-back suffered a season-ending injury to his right hamstring tendon in late January, which means he may have already played his final game for the team.
According to Spanish daily Nacional, Chelsea have made the fastest move in their pursuit of the Spain international, with the Blues reportedly offering €50 million (£43 million).
Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, is among his admirers, and Blues co-owner Todd Boehly plans to try to reach an agreement with president Joan Laporta and Deco, the sporting director of Barcelona.
However, Chelsea may still need to pay an additional €20 million, since Nacional anticipates that their €50 million bid would be rejected due to Barcelona’s estimated €70 million worth.
Chelsea face competition to sign Barcelona star
The publication has previously stated that Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Man United are interested in signing the player.
In the summer transfer window, the Blues are also eager to get a new centre-back, and Leny Yoro of Lille is one player they are keeping an eye on.
In addition to strengthening their defense, they are determined to add an attacker to lead their frontline.
It remains to be seen if that player could be Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney or somebody else.