Pau Cubarsi is one of the most exciting young talents coming through the youth ranks at FC Barcelona currently.
The 16-year-old centre-half has been long earmarked as one of the future first-team players for the Blaugrana and has been showcasing his talent with the club’s Juvenil A side as well as Barça Atletic, for whom he has made seven appearances.
Cubarsi has also been a part of the first-team match day squad on a number of occasions this season and is a regular in senior training under Xavi.
In fact, the 16-year-old got to play with the first team during the friendly against Club America earlier this month.
Barcelona activate contract talks as Chelsea lurk
Given his talent and potential, Pau Cubarsi has alerted a number of top clubs from across Europe.
And, as per Toni Juanmarti of SPORT, Barcelona have already begun renewal talks with the 16-year-old centre-half, especially with Premier League heavy-spenders Chelsea sniffing around.
It is not a surprise that the Blues retain an interest in Cubarsi, after having already made an attempt to lure him away from Barça during the summer transfer window.
But the youngster had spurned their advances back then and signed a new contract with the Catalan heavyweights until 2026, which even came with a release clause worth €10-15 million.
Considering the money that Chelsea have been throwing around on youth signings under their new owners, that figure would not be hard to meet for them.
As such, it should not come as a surprise for Barcelona to already opening talks over a new contract for Cubarsi, months after having handed him a three-year deal.
A new contract, with possibly a higher release clause, would help the Catalans stave off interest from Chelsea and any other suitor who might be interested in signing the La Masia gem.
