Manchester City handed Alejandro Balde boost as Barcelona open to sale

Manchester City's search for a new left-back could receive a significant boost after reports in Spain suggested Barcelona are open to selling Alejandro Balde this summer.

The Spain international has again been linked with a move to the Premier League, with recent reports claiming Manchester City are preparing an offer worth around €70 million for the 22-year-old defender.

While Barcelona are reportedly unaware of any formal approach from the Etihad club, the Catalan giants appear willing to listen to offers should serious interest materialise.

That stance could create an intriguing transfer opportunity for Pep Guardiola's former side as they continue assessing options on the left flank.

According to reports relayed by Marca, Barcelona have not received any indication that Manchester City are actively preparing a bid for Balde.

In fact, the report states club officials are somewhat sceptical about the claims currently circulating regarding a potential €70m proposal.

However, the more significant detail concerns Barcelona's position on the player himself.

The La Liga champions are said to regard Balde as available for transfer and are prepared to consider offers if suitable proposals arrive during the summer window.

That represents a notable shift given the defender's long-standing reputation as one of the club's most promising academy graduates.

Having followed Barcelona's financial and squad-management strategy in recent seasons, the club have increasingly shown a willingness to sell valuable assets when major offers arrive, particularly if replacements have already been identified.

Balde is not the only left-back linked with Manchester City in recent weeks.

The Premier League club have also been credited with interest in Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, alongside Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

Barcelona sporting director Deco reportedly held discussions regarding Cucurella in May and views the Chelsea defender as a potential replacement if Balde leaves the Camp Nou.

That detail could become particularly important if Manchester City's interest develops into something more concrete.

A sale of Balde would potentially trigger movement elsewhere in the market, with Barcelona expected to accelerate plans for a replacement.

Although Balde remains highly regarded, reports in Spain suggest he has not been an automatic starter under Hansi Flick.

The defender started 21 league matches during the season and has not enjoyed the same level of prominence that many expected following his breakthrough years at Barcelona.

Even so, his age, pace and attacking qualities continue to make him an attractive option for elite clubs across Europe.

At 22, Balde would fit Manchester City's preference for recruiting players who can contribute immediately while still offering long-term value.

The next stage will likely depend on whether Manchester City decide to formalise their reported interest with an official approach.

Barcelona's willingness to entertain offers suggests negotiations could progress relatively quickly if a bid arrives. Equally, the Catalan club may be content to use the speculation to signal Balde's availability to other potential buyers.

Should City move forward, the transfer could have wider consequences across the market, particularly regarding Barcelona's pursuit of Cucurella.

Would Alejandro Balde be the ideal long-term solution at left-back for Manchester City, or should the club focus on more proven Premier League options?