Chelsea are ‘very shut’ to signing Strasbourg’s versatile midfielder Valentin Barco, based on Guillem Balagué.
Barco got here into the limelight in his house nation, Argentina, the place his shows for Boca Juniors’ youth ranks earned him a spot within the first-team squad beneath Miguel Ángel Russo.
He made his Boca debut in 2021 on the age of 16 in opposition to Union, changing into the fourth-youngest participant within the membership’s historical past.
He broke into the group as a marauding left-back. Nonetheless, he was finally moved to the attacking midfield place, with these versatile traits proving helpful throughout his present spell at Strasbourg, the place he performs as a central midfielder.
The 21-year-old’s first European sojourn noticed him transfer to Sussex to hitch Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2024, debuting within the 4-0 defeat to Manchester Metropolis in April, and he was described by Roberto De Zerbi as ‘the most effective participant on the pitch’ for the Seagulls after the sport.
After an unsuccessful mortgage spell with Sevilla, the place he featured solely 9 occasions, BlueCo’s sister membership Strasbourg secured a deal for the Argentine in January 2025, and he has since grow to be a key participant for the membership, particularly this season, the place he has supplied 10 aim contributions.
Earlier this week, Guillem Balagué reported that Chelsea have been intently monitoring Barco’s progress, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he joined the membership on a long-term deal.
He added that former coach Enzo Maresca had him in thoughts, whereas newly appointed supervisor Liam Rosenior, who labored with him at Strasbourg, has given the membership the go-ahead to signal him.
Barco to Chelsea
It seems Chelsea are actually seeking to wrap up a deal for Barco, because the Spanish journalist, in a latest report, claims that the Argentine worldwide is ‘very shut’ to becoming a member of the London giants.
Chelsea are totally capitalising on some great benefits of their BlueCo multi-club construction, having already accomplished a number of transfers involving their sister membership Strasbourg.
Mamadou Sarr is already a part of the primary group squad, having been recalled from his mortgage spell with the Alsatian outfit, whereas the Blues have a pre-agreed deal for Emanuel Emegha to hitch on the finish of the season.
Mike Penders, David Datro Fofana and Aaron Anselmino accomplished mortgage strikes to the French membership, whereas Ben Chilwell and Mathis Amogou joined on everlasting offers.
This might hand the Blues a slight benefit within the switch charge, as Strasbourg are unlikely to demand a charge considerably larger than his £21m Transfermarkt valuation.
