How much Chelsea are paying to sign Valentin Barco from Strasbourg

Sorry, but there are WORSE players than Alejandro Garnacho at Chelsea who aren’t being pushed out of the club

Not only that, but it sees Lionel Messi face England for the first time in his career. Reece James is set to start after coming off the bench for 40 minutes against Norway, while Enzo Fernandez will also start.

So far, Barco has remained an unused sub in five of Argentina’s six World Cup games, only coming on as a substitute for 20 minutes in Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan. Chelsea are yet to confirm his transfer.

How much Chelsea are paying for Valentin Barco

While the Blues are yet to confirm a deal, Barco has already confirmed he is leaving Strasbourg. It has been widely reported that Barco will end up at Chelsea, swapping between BlueCo’s two owned clubs.

He is not the only one. After Mamadou Sarr was recalled by Chelsea in January, five players will come back to Chelsea from Strasbourg this summer. Emmanuel Emegha has signed for Chelsea this summer.

Emegha has already been seen in Chelsea training, and his move has been confirmed. Mike Penders, Aaron Anselmino and David Fofana are also due to return to Chelsea this summer after Strasbourg loans.

But Barco will join Chelsea for a transfer fee, and according to French outlet Les Sports DNA, BlueCo are effectively paying themselves £34m fee for Barco to swap clubs. A long-term contract is on the table.

Barco will be a crucial addition for Alonso’s Chelsea

Barco has caught the eye playing in the middle of the park for Strasbourg ever since he swapped Brighton for France. With Argentina, manager Lionel Scaloni has only really used Barco as a central midfielder.

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Barco is known for his ability to run with the ball from deep and his incisive forward passing in transition. He is not a stranger to a goal or an assist either, and with Fernandez’s future in doubt, Barco is ideal.

But with Marc Cucurella leaving for Real Madrid, Barco’s versatility allows him to play on the left of the defence too. A wing-back or a full-back, Barco offers much-needed cover on the left of Chelsea’s system.

Under Alonso, Barco is likely to be used as a midfielder more often than he is on the left. But with talks still ongoing for Pep Chavarria, Barco could well get more game time if he is entrusted to play on the left.