Chelsea have been handed a boost as they are closing in on Strasbourg star Valentin Barco as their first summer addition, as per reports. The Argentina international appears destined for a return to the English top-flight after a brief stint with Brighton & Hove Albion in the past.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Barco has given the green-light to a transfer to Chelsea from Strasbourg, with an agreement on personal terms already in place. The Blues do not face a risk of the deal being hijacked, and will enter into talks with sister club Strasbourg for the versatile youngster.
Valentin Barco has enjoyed a fine spell in France since leaving Brighton for Strasbourg in a €10 million last July, having impressed on loan at the same club. The 21-year-old struggled to thrive at Brighton and Sevilla before finding a home in Strasbourg under the tutelage of Liam Rosenior.
Rosenior brought out the best in Barco by deploying him in midfield, as opposed to left-back, his original position. The diminutive youngster has developed into one of the best in his position in Ligue 1, helping Strasbourg to reach the quarterfinals of the UEFA Conference League this season.
Chelsea were linked with Barco after he broke out at Boca Juniors as a teenager before he moved to Brighton, and will look to reunite him with Rosenior this summer. The Blues are keen on strengthening their squad, and adding a player of Barco's versatility and age fits into their business model.
Valentin Barco has played 37 times across all competitions for Strasbourg this season, and will look to finish the campaign strongly. The youngster hopes to be named in Argentina's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and join Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea youngster makes senior debut in Port Vale win
Highly-rated Chelsea winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen was handed his senior debut for the Blues in the 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale. The 17-year-old came off the bench as his side ran riot against the League One outfit.
Kavuma-McQueen was named among the substitutes for a third time this season, having impressed in the club's U-21 and U-19 sides. The teenager came off the bench in place of Romeo Lavia after 78 minutes with the Blues 5-0 up, playing for the final 12 minutes of the encounter.
Liam Rosenior handed the young forward his debut, making him the 831st player to play a game for the club. He had 13 touches of the ball and made two ball recoveries in his time on the pitch.