Chelsea are set to welcome Valentin Barco to their first team squad this summer, and will be bringing in one of the best progressive passers in Europe right now.
The Blues beat Bayern Munich to the signing of Barco, likely utilising their links to Strasbourg via the BlueCo ownership.
Xabi Alonso has already given his approval to the signing of Barco, and it looks as if he is going to stick around next season rather than be loaned out.
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The youngster played 43 games in all competitions this season, and was a regular for Strasbourg during what was an underwhelming Ligue 1 season.
During that campaign, Barco was the driving force in getting his side up the pitch, and according to Squawka he completed 21 through balls during the Ligue 1 season.
Argentina v Zambia - International Friendly
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The next closest rival to that number is nine, a tally reached by PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele, who won the player of the season award.
Barco also registered nine assists in all competitions. Only Pedro Neto reached a tally higher than this in the Chelsea squad throughout this campaign.
Despite having experience playing as a full-back, it looks more likely that Alonso will utilise him as a midfielder upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
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Barco rewarded for excellent form
As well as emerging on the radar of top European clubs, Barco’s strong performances have seen him make his senior Argentina debut.
Building on that, he has now been handed a call-up as the South Americans look to defend their World Cup trophy this summer.
He will have the chance to feature alongside Enzo Fernandez, with both being listed as midfielders in the squad list.
However, it is looking more likely that they won’t continue that working relationship going into next season. Fernandez is pushing for a move to Real Madrid this summer.
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