Argentina's Valentin Barco celebrates scoring his side's 5th goal against Zambia during a friendly soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Valentin Barco is set to join Chelsea this summer (AP)
Chelsea are set to sign Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco, according to reports in Argentina.
Barco spent the second half of last season on loan at Strasbourg before the Ligue 1 side agreed a permanent deal with Brighton for €10 million (£8.7m) last summer.
The 21-year-old has been one of Strasbourg’s standout performers this season and he is now on the verge of a return to the Premier League.
TyC Sports report that Chelsea are in talks to sign Barco but a final agreement has yet to be reached.
Strasbourg and Chelsea are both part of the BlueCo ownership, meaning that negotiations between the two clubs will be straightforward.
Valentin Barco has played under Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg (AFP via Getty)
ESPN Argentina’s Augustus Caesar also reports that Bayern Munich were interested in a deal for Barco, but the midfielder is now set to join Chelsea in June.
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Barco came through Boca Juniors’ academy in Argentina before his £7.8m transfer to Brighton in 2024.
The midfielder is also pushing for a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad and scored his first goal for the national side in their 5-0 friendly win against Zambia on Wednesday.
Barco has also played under Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior during their time together at Strasbourg.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have already agreed a deal to sign Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha, who will make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 23-year-old has scored 30 goals in 71 appearances for the French club.
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