Chelsea are in talks to sign Valentin Barco from sister membership Strasbourg, talkSPORT understands.
The Argentine initially joined Strasbourg on mortgage from Brighton in February 2025, earlier than finishing a transfer price £8million in July.
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Barco made seven appearances for the Seagulls forward of his transfer to France, the place he labored below boss Liam Rosenior.
He featured 38 occasions for the present Chelsea boss, and the pair could possibly be reunited this summer time ought to a deal be accomplished.
The midfielder may face loads of competitors at Stamford Bridge.
Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos and Darrio Essugo have been their midfield choices this season.
However, Barco may have one much less competitor amid the uncertainty over Fernandez and his future in west London.
Barco in, Fernandez out?
After Chelsea had been thrashed 8-2 on mixture by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Fernandez criticised the club’s board.
He mentioned he did not perceive their determination to permit head coach Enzo Maresca to go away the membership originally of the yr.
Fernandez then generated speculation over a move to Real Madrid as he admitted he would love to stay in the Spanish capital.
talkSPORT understands he’s open to a move to Madrid this summer time, though he has circuitously instructed Chelsea that he desires to go away.
Rosenior then introduced on Friday that they’ve sanctioned the World Cup winner following his feedback.
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Fernandez was instructed he wouldn’t play in their FA Cup quarter-final conflict towards Port Vale, which completed 7-0 to Chelsea.
He may also not be concerned in their Premier League fixture away at Manchester City on April 12.
“I spoke with Enzo an hour ago,” Rosenior mentioned in his press convention.
“As a football club, with me as part of that process, we’ve made a decision. He won’t be available for tomorrow’s games, and he won’t be available for Manchester City next Sunday.
“I feel for Enzo, It’s disappointing to communicate in that means. What I’ll say about Enzo is, in phrases of him as a personality, as an individual, I’ve received no unhealthy phrases to say about him.
“But I think a line was crossed, in terms of our culture and what we want to build. So, we had to make a sanction, and that was a decision we’ve made.”
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Chelsea reply to the noise in type
After 4 consecutive defeats and a dramatic worldwide break, Chelsea received again to successful methods in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Port Vale, who sit rock-bottom of League One, had their hopes of an upset crushed inside two minutes when Jorrel Hato thumped in.
Joao Pedro added a composed second, earlier than a Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel own-goal had Chelsea all however via by half-time.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Estevao continued the scoring in the second half as the EFL guests had been swept apart.
Alejandro Garnacho scored the seventh and closing purpose for Chelsea in stoppage time with a penalty.
Chelsea will uncover their semi-final opponents during the draw on Sunday night, with the match coming on April 25 or 26.
