Chelsea now in ‘constant’ talks to get transfer over line – Blues close to deal

Chelsea’s move for Valentín Barco is still heading in the same direction – towards Stamford Bridge. However, the latest reports suggest there are still a few details left to sort.

As we covered earlier todayoutlets in Argentina and Spain have gone strong on the idea that Barco to Chelsea is already agreed. Some reports even presented the transfer as effectively completed. Only the announcement is missing.

Now, French newspaper The Team offer a slightly more measured version.

Chelsea still negotiating details with Barco camp

According to the report, discussions between Chelsea and Barco’s representatives remain “constant”.

The move is clearly advancing and nobody in France seems to doubt the direction it is heading. However, the fact talks are still ongoing suggests there are still some loose ends being ironed out before everything is formally signed off.

L’Équipe explain the transfer has been in the works for weeks. In addition, they add that neither Liam Rosenior’s departure nor Xabi Alonso’s arrival changed Chelsea’s plans.

That’s notable because Rosenior was heavily linked to the operation from the beginning. He had pushed Chelsea to sign Barco after rebuilding the Argentine’s career at Strasbourg.

Now it sound like Chelsea as a club are now fully committed to the idea, regardless of the coaching change.

The French outlet also repeat claims that a six-year contract is waiting for the midfielder in London.

Strasbourg farewell added to feeling transfer is coming

Barco himself has only added to the feeling that the move is close.

After Strasbourg’s final Ligue 1 match against Monaco, the Argentine applauded supporters. He pointed towards the club badge on his shirt and later posted an emotional farewell message on Instagram.

That sequence was widely interpreted in France as the clearest sign yet that his time at Strasbourg is over.

Still, there is a difference between a transfer feeling inevitable and every detail actually being completed.

Chelsea still pushing ahead

According to L’Équipe, Strasbourg are expected to make a huge profit on the player. They signed Barco permanently from Brighton for around €10m (£8.7m) last summer and are now set to sell him for at least double that amount.

The report also mentions that Barco’s difficult end to the season, after returning early from an ankle injury, has not changed Chelsea’s thinking.

At this stage, everything still points towards the midfielder ending up at Stamford Bridge this summer.

It just seems there are still a few final details to settle before Chelsea can officially close the file.