Chelsea are close to signing a former Premier League defender after making a breakthrough in negotiations.

Valentin Barco, the promising young Argentinian talent, has reportedly agreed to join Chelsea in the upcoming summer transfer window. This news comes after the Blues have already reached a personal agreement with the 21-year-old left-back, who currently plays for BlueCo-owned Strasbourg. Barco initially joined the French club on loan from Brighton, before making the move permanent for a fee of €10million last summer.

He has since made 37 appearances and scored two goals for Strasbourg, quickly establishing himself in the French football scene. However, there have been talks circulating that Barco may soon be on the move again, with Chelsea being the most likely destination. As both clubs are under the same ownership, negotiations have been smooth and there are no expected last-minute hurdles in the talks.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barco has already given his approval to join Chelsea and personal terms have been agreed upon for his transfer at the end of the season. It is clear that the young left-back has his heart set on playing for the Blues and all the necessary preparations have been made from his side. In his second appearance for Argentina, Barco has already made an impact by scoring a goal.

Talks between Chelsea and Barco's camp have been progressing quickly, with the final decision now resting in the hands of the Blues. As the current holders of the Club World Cup, Chelsea have complete control over the proposed agreement for the youngster. Just a day before, Romano had revealed that Barco had given the green light for a move to west London.

"He is a player that Chelsea had been watching since the 2026/27 season, so for this summer," Romano explained on his YouTube channel. "Valentin Barco, together with his agents, has given his approval to leave Strasbourg and join Chelsea in the summer transfer window." The transfer expert also added that there would be no issues with the ownership being the same for both clubs, and it is now up to Chelsea to decide when and how to proceed. Barco had a tough time at Brighton, making only seven Premier League appearances for the Seagulls since his arrival in 2024.

However, Chelsea's head coach, Liam Rosenior, who had previously managed Barco at Strasbourg, has faith in the young player's abilities. Barco's current contract with Strasbourg will expire in June 2029. It is clear that the player is eager to make the move to Chelsea and it is now up to the Blues to make it happen.