Guillem Balague names player who’s “very close” to Chelsea in big transfer news | OneFootball

Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco is “very close” to Chelsea and could join the Blues this summer according to journalist Guillem Balague.

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Barco made his move to Strasbourg permanent last summer after a successful loan stint last season, and has very much re-established himself in Ligue 1.

The Argentine is now playing as a midfielder having started as a left back, and played a key role last season under now Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior.

Valentin Barco close to Chelsea

It’s been reported Chelsea are looking for a new midfielder this summer to help ease the burden on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

The Blues have been linked with both Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, but the duo would command big fees.

Chelsea have also been linked with Barco, and a move would be much easier given their affiliation with Strasbourg.

Barco has scored once and registered nine assists in 34 appearances this season, and Ballague has reported he’s close to Chelsea.

He took to X.com and said:

“The ship is very close to Chelsea.”

Chelsea have wealth of midfield options

Quite where Barco would fit in the current squad remains to be seen, given the Blues have five midfield options.

As well as Caicedo and Fernandez, Chelsea have talented youngsters Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo.

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Unless the Blues are planning to move one of the three on, there simply isn’t space for Barco in the current squad.

It’s a possibility Chelsea could want to secure his signature to beat off competition from other clubs and then loan him back to Strasbourg to continue his development, but it’s certainly one to watch.

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