Reports have emerged in Argentina recently that Chelsea have everything agreed to sign Valentin Barco in the summer. Such a move would be very much in line with the club’s policy of signing highly-rated youngsters. The Argentine international is 21 years old and already under the BlueCo umbrella at Strasbourg.
Such a move would not impress Strasbourg fans, who have seen Chelsea come in and sign a number of their best players in recent years. Earlier this year, they even swooped in for their manager. Yet, that has not stopped BlueCo in the past, and is not expected to in the future.
Signing Barco might be a bit disheartening for Chelsea fans as well. The majority of the fanbase are hoping that the club change their transfer strategy and bring in experienced players this summer. A move for the 21-year-old Argentine would suggest they are sticking with their model.
So, how close are Chelsea actually to signing Barco? Is a deal done? Or could there be a twist in the tale? Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on where the situation stands right now.
Fabrizio Romano drops Valentin Barco to Chelsea transfer update
It looks like it is not yet a done deal, as many sources have suggested over the last day. But it appears to be moving towards that goal.
While speaking on his YouTube channel regarding the Barco to Chelsea situation, Romano said:
“At the moment, is not a done deal, is not signed, completed already between Chelsea and Strasbourg, same ownership group, for Barco to join Chelsea in 2026. But Chelsea are considering the possibility to sign Valentin Barco. They are controlling the situation of Valentin Barco, obviously with him being at Strasbourg. And Chelsea really like his progress, really like his attitude, really like his mentality. So the next player to make the Strasbourg-Chelsea step could be Valentin Barco. It is not something 100% closed or decided yet, but for sure is a strong possibility for Barco to become a new Chelsea player.”
Valentin Barco looks likely to be Chelsea’s next signing
So, all signs seem to be pointing towards Chelsea signing Barco in the summer. He has enjoyed a standout campaign with Strasbourg. Of course, Liam Rosenior will know him well from there time together at the French club.
Obviously, the timing is interesting as well. Enzo Fernandez looks to be inching towards the Chelsea exit door this summer. On the other hand, the club could go on and bring in another Argentine midfielder. The sheer data does suggest that it would not be a bad replacement.
One of the issues is that we have already seen Barco struggle in English football. I have been following him, going back to his time at Boca Juniors. He made his initial splash as a left-back but after joining Brighton & Hove Albion, he did not meet expectations.
Barco might have brought his career back on track at Strasbourg but that failed stint at Brighton & Hove Albion means that there will be question marks over his ability to perform in English football. One cannot forget though that he was playing as a left-back for the Seagulls. His recent success with Strasbourg has come in midfield.
Sourav Mahanty
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow. Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
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