Valentin Barco looks set to become the next player to move from Strasbourg to Chelsea.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Barco is close to joining Chelsea, who have already signed Mamadou Sarr and Emanuel Emegha from Strasbourg.
The summer transfer window is not open yet, but the Blues are in a hurry to get this deal complete.
Valentin Barco appears to be Liam Rosenior’s first Chelsea signing of the summer 👀
Thoughts?
Valentin Barco is very close to joining Chelsea
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea want to sign Valentin Barco now to ward off competition from Juventus and Atletico Madrid
Journalist Simon Phillips has also claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Barco from their sister club.
According to Phillips’ sources, the reason why Chelsea are trying to purchase Barco now is because they do not want to face competition from Juventus, Atletico Madrid and other clubs in the summer.
In Barco, Liam Rosenior will be getting a very versatile player and someone he knows well after working with him at Strasbourg.
Strasbourg's British head coach Liam Rosenior (L) speaks with Strasbourg's Argentine defender #08 Valentin Barco
Photo by Frederick FLORIN / AFP via Getty Images
The 21-year-old can play at left-back and in midfield. This season, it has been the middle of the pitch where he has been utilised.
Barco is an Argentina international, meaning that he will be joining fellow stars of his national team, Enzo Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho, at Stamford Bridge.
How Valentin Barco has performed in Ligue 1 this season
BlueCo will be happy with the progress that Barco has made in the current campaign. It is not a shock that they now want to move him from Strasbourg to Chelsea.
Cole Palmer may be Chelsea’s best signing under BlueCo, but who’s your favourite?
Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
In 22 Ligue 1 appearances, Barco has scored one goal and provided four assists, which is pretty good for a midfielder.
According to WhoScored, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man is also making two tackles per game, which is the third-highest average in Gary O’Neil’s squad.
His average of 57.6 passes per game is higher than all of his teammates’, too, so he has been a very efficient midfielder this term.
Chelsea having Romeo Lavia back is great, but his injury record is concerning, so it could make sense to bring Barco in this summer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox