Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep Atlético linked Leonardo Balerdi | OneFootball

Leonardo Balerdi (25) has come a long way in the Olympique de Marseille squad since a supporter went on a hunger strike to try and force the club to sell the Argentine centre-back. He has become one of the few players in the team that the club hierarchies have no intention of allowing to leave, despite rumoured links with Atlético de Madrid.

According to RMC Sport, club president Pablo Longoria and his sporting advisor Medhi Benatia have explained to Balerdi that they have been very happy with his progress in La Provence and would like to see him extend his contract until 2028.

The French outlet have further reported that if he were to extend his contract he would likely be provided the captain’s armband (although where this would leave the current captain Valentin Rongier (29) is unclear) as the soon-to-be-announced manager, Roberto De Zerbi, looks to build his defence around the centre-back.

Leonardo Balerdi could yet leave if the right offer comes

Balerdi is thought to be close to agreeing to the deal, but the situation could change if Marseille receive a big offer or the centre-back is provided with a chance to play at a top European club.

GFFN | Nick Hartland