"The player catching the eye of Chelsea, and other top clubs, is talented young Argentine Valentin Barco, who has successfully rebuilt his career in central midfield after starting out as a left-back. The 21-year-old is improving quickly and he's one of the names high up on Chelsea's list for the future, with the Blues considering making use of their ties to the Ligue 1 side."
"Chelsea are still closely monitoring Barco after looking at him in the summer, one source with links to the agents industry told me. Bayern Munich have also been watching him, as have Atletico Madrid, the source added. But he's under contract at Strasbourg until 2029 so there's no panic at Strasbourg's end they'll demand a big fee if anyone makes an approach."
"I'm told that other unnamed clubs also see Barco as a star of the future, so there could end up being an intriguing bidding war for him at some point, even if one imagines Chelsea's connections with Strasbourg would give them an advantage. At the same time, however, the competition for places in Enzo Maresca's midfield is an added complication all this, as it's hard to see anyone realistically getting into that line up ahead of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez any time soon."
Valentin Barco, 21, converted from left-back to central midfield and has rapidly improved, becoming a top prospect. Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and other clubs are monitoring him. Barco is contracted to Strasbourg until 2029, so any approach will trigger a significant fee. Strasbourg’s valuation could spark a bidding war among interested clubs. Chelsea’s links to Strasbourg could provide an advantage, but Chelsea’s midfield features Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, making immediate first-team opportunities unlikely. This season Barco has one goal and four assists in 13 Ligue 1 appearances, with strengths in his midfield play.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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