Chelsea make breakthrough and close in on transfer deal for ex-Premier League defender

Chelsea have reportedly agreed personal terms with Valentin Barco ahead of the summer transfer window.

Barco joined BlueCo-owned Strasbourg on a permanent deal for a fee of €10million (£8.7m) last summer following an initial loan move from Brighton.

Regarded as one of the brightest young Argentinian talents, the 21-year-old has quickly settled into life in French football, making 37 appearances and chipping in with two goals for Strasbourg.

But there is mounting speculation that the left-back will soon be on the move again, with discussions over a switch to Stamford Bridge progressing at a pace in recent days.

Given Strasbourg and Chelsea are both part of the BlueCo ownership, negotiations between the two sides have been straightforward and there are not expected to be any last-minute hiccups in talks.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barco has now ‘said yes’ to Chelsea and personal terms have been agreed for the Argentina international to join the Blues at the end of the season.

It’s claimed Barco has his heart set on joining Chelsea and everything is ready to go from the player’s side.

It is now ‘up to Chelsea’ to decide if or when to proceed, with the Club World Cup holders said to be ‘in total control’ of a proposed agreement for the youngster.

Just a day earlier, Romano had suggested talks were moving in a positive direction after Barco had ‘given the green light’ regarding a move to west London.

‘He is a player that Chelsea already had on their list for the season 2026/27, so for this summer,’ Romano explained on his YouTube channel.

‘Valentin Barco, together with his agents, already gave his green light on leaving Strasbourg eventually in the summer transfer window and joining Chelsea.

‘Barco is okay with that, Barco is ready to make his move to Chelsea.

‘Obviously, it’s the same ownership so there’s not going to be any issue… it’s Chelsea deciding how and when to proceed.

Romano added: ‘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.’

Barco struggled to make a significant impact at Brighton after arriving at the Amex Stadium in 2024, making only seven Premier League appearances for the Seagulls.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior already knows Barco well having managed the full-back when he was in charge of Strasbourg.

Barco’s current contract with the Ligue 1 outfit is not due to expire until June 2029.

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