Defender Chelsea 'pushed to sign' now worth £855m as Todd Boehly could regret transfer decision

Chelsea's pursuit of Barcelona's young talent, Pau Cubarsi, may have hit a stumbling block as the defender's release clause is set to skyrocket to an eye-watering £855million.

The Blues were reportedly keen on the 17-year-old centre-back last summer, with Spanish media suggesting they had 'pushed to sign' him before he'd even made his first-team debut. Barcelona reacted to the rumours by extending Cubarsi's contract until June 2026.

At that time, his release clause was said to be worth £13m, meaning he still represented an affordable option for the Blues and other interested suitors. However, the idea of acquiring him for a modest fee has now seemingly been banished.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Barca have taken decisive action to secure the future of the Spain youth international. Romano reveals that Cubarsi's new release clause is a staggering £855m (€1billion).

The final touches of the agreement, which former player Deco has played a pivotal role in, are being finalised with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks. Deco, a Nou Camp icon, took up the role of sporting director at his old club last August.

He's since focused on nurturing young talent at the club, and played a key part in convincing Xavi to extend his managerial tenure for another season. The latest move with Curbasi clearly shows the high regard in which he is held, having made his first-team debut in the Copa Del Rey in January at just 16 years old.

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His first La Liga start against Real Betis soon followed, and his stock rose even further after a standout performance against Napoli in the Champions League in March. Chelsea's summer spending was already due to be restricted this summer, with the club battling not to breach Premier League rules over profit and sustainability.

And their failure to qualify for the Champions League next season represents a further financial blow. With a move for Cubarsi now essentially impossible, Todd Boehly may live to regret not pursuing the player with more conviction last year.

The Blues are already guaranteed to lose one central defender in the summer, with Thiago Silva confirming he'll leave west London when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.