Pau Cubarsi makes decision on Barcelona future amid Premier League interest

Barcelona are confident young prodigy Pau Cubarsi will sign a new contract despite interest from Premier League clubs.

The 17-year-old centre-back broke into the Barca first-team at the start of 2024 and has cemented his place in the starting lineup ahead of veteran defender Inigo Martinez thanks to his fantastic performances.

To date, Cubarsi has made 13 starts for the Catalan club - including playing the full 90 minutes in the recent huge UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain - accentuating his importance to Xavi Hernandez's plans.

Cubarsi's impressive performances have caught the eye of a number of top European clubs, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United linked with a move for the talented youngster in recent months. Interest in the defender's services has perhaps been heightened by the rumoured €10m release clause attached to his current contract at Barca.

Barca are extremely keen to tie their new defensive star down to a new long-term deal in Catalonia and, according to Mundo Deportivo, are confident of striking a deal with Cubarsi.

The report states there is a plan in place to ensure the defender signs a new five-year deal when he turns 18 in January 2025 - a contract which will include a substantial new release clause.

Speaking about Cubarsi following Barca's 1-0 win over Cadiz at the weekend, current manager Xavi was keen to praise the defender.

He said: "I think Cubarsi will mark an era at Barca. When we get pressed high, he always picks the right option. He corrects very well, wins duels...it doesn't look like he's 17 years old at all."

Barca and Cubarsi will be back in action on Tuesday when they face PSG in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

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