Chelsea are primed for another big transfer window with the new manager at the helm, and one of their top targets has already said goodbye to his current side.
Xabi Alonso will take over as manager of the club this summer and will surely have been granted assurances over some players coming through the door.
Alonso reportedly wants two new centre-backs to be signed by the club, a similar request to what was made by Enzo Maresca was in charge.
It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!
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Valentin Barco says goodbye to Strasbourg ahead of Chelsea move
Before the Spaniard’s hiring, Chelsea were strongly linked with the signing of Valentin Barco after his impressive performances at Strasbourg.
The fellow BlueCo club have become used to seeing some of their best performing players make the move to Stamford Bridge. Mamadou Sarr has already joined, and Emanuel Emegha is set to move at the end of the season.
Speculation over Barco’s potential move there has only increased after he posted to Instagram that he was saying goodbye to the Ligue 1 side at the end of the season.
Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace v 1. FSV Mainz 05 - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg
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He said: “Today I say goodbye to this club that I really looked forward to. In this year and a half many good times passed.
“I always left everything on the field at every game for this shirt. I want to thank my teammates who made everything easier for me, Liam and his staff for the confidence they gave me and for making me the player I am, Gary and his staff for understanding me and helping me improve, to everyone who works at the club and us they accompany and support me every day and to the fans for the love they always gave me.
“From a distance I will support them and make strength for them to always win, I am totally grateful to Strasbourg and we will be back with my family whenever we can, it is a very special place in our lives. Thank you very much for this year and a half, and many successes for the future.”
Liam Rosenior was mentioned in Barco’s goodbye, and it was the former Chelsea boss who reportedly wanted him at Stamford Bridge.
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Barco deal to be announced this summer
Ben Jacobs has stated that the deal for Barco to join Chelsea is set to be announced at the end of the season.
Despite early struggles in the Premier League during his time at Brighton, he has developed greatly for both Strasbourg and the Argentina national team.
His performances in the Conference League drew great attention this season, with French media describing him as ‘extraordinary’.
So far, it remains to be seen whether Barco will walk straight into the first team squad at Stamford Bridge, or if a spell on loan is waiting in the wings for him.
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