Ale Moreno says Arsenal transfer target Alejandro Balde is ahead of Manchester City defender Rico Lewis right now because the Barcelona left-back is playing at a higher level than the right-sided fullback, as he told ESPN.
The 19-year-old’s contract at the Nou Camp has hit the breaks and, as a result, the likes of Mikel Arteta’s table-topping Arsenal and Champions League-chasing Newcastle United are looking at possibly signing him – his current contract expires in 2024.
Balde recently represented Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, whilst he is also playing on a regular basis for Xavi at Barcelona, who are sitting at the top of the La Liga table.
Whereas Lewis is starting to, as Micah Richards would put it, ‘breaking onto the scene’ at Manchester City.
The Englishman – yet to be capped at senior level, but it will come for the 18-year-old – recently came off the bench to turn the tide of the game for his side as they beat Chelsea away from home.
Either way, in years to come, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Balde and Lewis have long and thriving careers, as Moreno shared his thoughts on the duo.
“When you started reading the question, you said Rico Lewis and then Alejandro, I was like ‘woah, wait a second’,” said Moreno.
“I was say Alejandro Balde. Don’t forget, he was a player for Spain at this past World Cup. Rico Lewis has done a lot of good things for Manchester City. But he is in the very early stages.
“Whereas, Alejandro Balde, whilst still young, has already had major experiences, both with Barcelona and the Spain national team.”
NEWCASTLE SHOULD PUSH FOR BALDE
If the highly-rated youngster wants to stay at the Nou Camp, then it will happen.
But, until then, there is a chance that he could leave because of his current contract situation, which then puts the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle on alert.
If he had to pick, then heading to St James’ Park would be the best choice because of the project they are building and how they are also buying young and upcoming talent – their recent club-record transfer of Alexander Isak is proof of that.
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