The summer transfer window is still a couple of months away. Before that, Chelsea have a lot of work to do. They have booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, which is a good chance at some silverware. Of course, the Blues have a poor record at Wembley in recent times. But even more important for them will be the remaining games in the Premier League, as they continue to try and get into the Champions League qualification spots after falling due to their poor run of form.
On the transfer front, Chelsea are already working though. Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha are already set to arrive in the summer. And it appears that the Blues might soon have a third deal in place before the window has even opened.
For the last few days, reports in Argentina have been suggesting that Chelsea will be signing Valentin Barco. The Argentine international currently plays for Strasbourg. Plenty of players have made that trip to and fro during the BlueCo era.
Now, those reports in Argentina are being backed by Fabrizio Romano as well. A move seems very close to being agreed.
Valentin Barco has agreed to join Chelsea according to Fabrizio Romano
Romano said on his YouTube channel regarding the situation involving Chelsea, Barco and Strasbourg:
“So for this summer, what I can tell you is that Valentin Barco together with his agents already gave his green light on leaving eventually Strasbourg in the summer transfer window and joining Chelsea. Barco is okay with that. Barco is ready to make his move to Chelsea.
“Now obviously, club to club is the same ownership, so it’s not going to be any issue. It’s Chelsea deciding when and how to proceed. It’s still not done, sealed, but Chelsea’s intention is to control the Barco situation and to consider Valentin Barco as one of the first signings for season 26/27. So, advancing very well on this one. The player’s wish is always really important and in this case, my understanding is that Valentin Barco is ready to make his move to Chelsea.”
So, all things stand, it looks like Barco is close to getting his move to Chelsea. Of course, that will not go down well with Strasbourg fans. The French club have become a feeder to the Blues in recent times. And their supporters are naturally unhappy, seeing their best head to Stamford Bridge on a consistent basis.
That has not stopped BlueCo from making those moves though. And they are not expected to start having second thoughts when it comes to Barco.
Is Barco the right fit for Chelsea’s squad?
I do not expect Barco to come in and immediately be a starter for Chelsea. He is 21 years old and has already struggled in the Premier League once, back when he was at Brighton & Hove Albion. It is likely that he will take some time to adjust to the pace and physicality of English football.
That being said, Liam Rosenior knows him well from their time together at Strasbourg. That should help the Argentine settle. And he will be playing a completely different role, as a midfielder, from his days as a left-back.
As a left-back, Barco was good enough to draw interest from the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool before joining Brighton. So, Chelsea look set to be getting a premier talent. Unfortunately, that has not always translated. Let’s hope they surround their young squad with some veterans by making some experienced additions in the summer window. That might be what this team needs more than anything else at this moment.
