Chelsea are reportedly plotting an ambitious summer swoop for Pau Cubarsí, widely regarded as one of Barcelona’s most exciting young defenders.
The 17-year-old centre-back impressed many during the last La Liga campaign with his calmness on the ball, sharp positional awareness, and mature decision-making — traits unusual for someone of his age. Sources claim Cubarsí is open to testing himself in a new environment, with the Premier League emerging as a potential next step in his career.
However, the transfer talks have taken an unexpected twist. Barcelona’s head coach, Hans-Dieter Flick, is reluctant to see such a promising talent depart without securing a major return. Instead of accepting a straightforward sale, Flick is reportedly pushing for a player-exchange deal.
The proposed swap would involve Chelsea sending one of their own high-profile players in return, though the identity of the targeted Blue has not been officially disclosed. It is believed, however, that the player in question is a core figure in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
For Chelsea, the pursuit of Cubarsí fits neatly into their ongoing transfer policy under co-owner Todd Boehly, which focuses heavily on securing young, high-ceiling players who can provide both long-term value and immediate impact.
Maresca, keen to strengthen his defence ahead of the 2024–25 season, sees Cubarsí as a perfect fit thanks to his excellent passing range, tactical intelligence, and composure under pressure. The Blues are reportedly ready to put forward a substantial financial package to win the teenager’s signature.
Barcelona’s counteroffer, however, complicates matters. Flick’s strategy appears to be a calculated move — using Chelsea’s keen interest in Cubarsí as leverage to secure a proven Premier League performer.
Such a swap could address Barcelona’s financial constraints while also adding an experienced player to their roster, potentially balancing the loss of a young defensive prodigy.
The proposal has sparked intense reactions among both sets of supporters. Chelsea fans are excited by the thought of signing one of Spain’s brightest prospects but are also nervous about which star might be sacrificed in the process.
Meanwhile, Barcelona supporters remain split — some insisting Cubarsí is too valuable to lose, others believing a well-chosen swap could strengthen their squad overall.
With the summer transfer window now in full swing, the coming days will be crucial. Chelsea are expected to formalise their interest, while Barcelona must decide whether to stick with Flick’s swap proposal or negotiate for a cash-only arrangement.
If the deal does materialise, it could become one of the headline transfers of the summer, reshaping the tactical plans and ambitions of both clubs heading into the new campaign.
