Chelsea are “very close” to securing the signature of Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco, according to Guillem Balague.

The BBC columnist posted on his X account yesterday afternoon revealing that the Argentinian international could soon be on his way to Stamford Bridge.

Barco has worked under Liam Rosenior before, having spent the second half of last campaign on loan with Strasbourg from Brighton prior to joining the Ligue One outfit on a permanent basis for €10m back in July.

The 21-year-old has made 49 appearances for Strasbourg, scoring 1 goal and providing 11 assists.

What do fans need to know about Barco?

The midfielder started his career at Argentinian giants Boca Juniors. Most of his early appearances came as a wingback or left-back.

Brighton signed him at the start of 2024, beating several high-profile clubs to his signature, but after failing to make an impression in the second half of the 2023/24 season, he was loaned out to Sevilla.

Things didn’t really work out for him in Spain either, making just 5 starts (and 9 appearances in total) before he returned to the Seagulls on February 1st last year. His move to Strasbourg was confirmed a day later.

Several players could join Chelsea from Strasbourg this summer

In addition to Barco, it has already been confirmed that Emmanuel Emegha will be making the move to the Blues from the French club at the beginning of July.

Goalkeeper Mike Penders will also be returning to London following his season-long loan. Along with Mamadou Sarr, there is a chance that four Strasbourg players could join up with Rosenior’s side within the space of six months.

At the moment, the Barco switch has not been announced, but it does look like it is very much on the cards if Balague is to be believed.

Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here