Strasbourg midfielder Valentín Barco has agreed personal terms to join Chelsea this summer.
Barco has been a standout for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 this season, with the Argentine ranked second in French football for fouls won. The 21-year-old also ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe’s top leagues for progressive passes completed.
Chelsea have reached an agreement on personal terms with the player, ahead of a potential summer move.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Barco is keen to join Chelsea, though an agreement is required between the West Londoners and their sister-club, with Strasbourg also owned by BlueCo.
Strasbourg’s star. Valentín Barco. 🇦🇷🎩 pic.twitter.com/uelJjPU5Ug
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 19, 2026
Barco was on the books at Brighton prior to his move to Ligue 1. He joined the Seagulls from Boca Juniors in 2024 but failed to make an impact at The Amex Stadium.
The midfielder, who can also play at left-back, started just three Premier League games. He has become a regular at Strasbourg this season and has won two senior caps for Argentina. After a two-year wait for his second cap after a 2024 debut, Barco netted his first goal for La Albiceleste in a 5-0 win over Zambia on March 31st.
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