Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to bid around €50m in a surprise move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde this summer.

The Premier League side has frequently been linked with the 22-year-old in Spanish media. Previous reports suggested Villa had already made initial contact regarding the defender, with further claims in early April reinforcing Unai Emery’s interest.

Balde, a product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, broke into the first team in 2021 and has since established himself as a regular. He is currently first choice under Hansi Flick, although injuries have limited his game time this season.

His La Liga numbers this campaign include 22 appearances and 1,583 minutes played, averaging 72 minutes per match. Defensively, he records 0.2 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, and 1.0 clearances per game, along with 3.6 ball recoveries and 3.8 duels won on average.

Fresh reports from Mundo Deportivo claim Aston Villa, along with Manchester United and Manchester City, have made enquiries about Balde’s situation. The outlet also cites El Chiringuito, which suggests Villa are willing to offer around €50m to sign the Spain international.

The report adds that Balde’s playing style would suit the Premier League, though there is no indication of Barcelona’s or the player’s stance on a potential transfer.

However, the claim raises eyebrows. Recent reports indicated that sources close to Aston Villa have denied any interest in Balde. With Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen already filling the left-back role, the club reportedly considers the position well covered and is not actively seeking reinforcements there.

Given that context, the suggestion of a €50m bid comes as an unexpected development.