Chelsea to test Barcelona resolve with Balde bid

Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde could be heading to Chelsea in the coming weeks.

The Blues are in the market for a left-back, per Sport in Spain, as manager Maurucio Pochettino is unhappy with his current options.

The source suggests that Balde may be seen as a long-term replacement for Ian Maatsen.

The latter is out of contract in the summer and may be ready to move on from the club when his deal expires.

Barca are one of many teams linked with Maatsen, which may play into the Balde talks.

Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella being injured are also complicating Pochettino's selection options at left-back.