Chelsea in talks to signal ex-Premier League midfielder as Liam Rosenior closes in on reunion
Chelsea are in talks to signal 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 value £8million in July.
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Barco made seven appearances for the Seagulls forward of his transfer to France, the place he labored underneath boss Liam Rosenior.
He featured 38 occasions for the present Chelsea boss, and the pair may very well 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.
Nevertheless, Barco may have one much less competitor amid the uncertainty over Fernandez and his future in west London.
Barco in, Fernandez out?
After Chelsea have been thrashed 8-2 on combination by Paris Saint-Germain within the Champions League, Fernandez criticised the membership’s board.
He mentioned he did not perceive their resolution to permit head coach Enzo Maresca to depart the membership at the start of the yr.
Fernandez then generated hypothesis over a transfer to Actual Madrid as he admitted he want to dwell within the Spanish capital.
talkSPORT understands he’s open to a transfer to Madrid this summer time, though he has in a roundabout way informed Chelsea that he desires to depart.
Rosenior then introduced on Friday that they’ve sanctioned the World Cup winner following his feedback.
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Fernandez was informed he wouldn’t play of their FA Cup quarter-final conflict in opposition to Port Vale, which completed 7-0 to Chelsea.
He may even not be concerned of their Premier League fixture away at Manchester Metropolis on April 12.
“I spoke with Enzo an hour in the past,” Rosenior mentioned in his press convention.
“As a soccer membership, with me as a part of that course of, we have decided. He will not be accessible for tomorrow’s video games, and he will not be accessible for Manchester Metropolis subsequent Sunday.
“I believe for Enzo, It is disappointing to talk in that means. What I’ll say about Enzo is, when it comes to him as a personality, as an individual, I’ve bought no unhealthy phrases to say about him.
“However I believe a line was crossed, when it comes to our tradition and what we need to construct. So, we needed to make a sanction, and that was a choice we have made.”
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Chelsea reply to the noise in type
After 4 consecutive defeats and a dramatic worldwide break, Chelsea bought again to profitable methods within 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 by by half-time.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Estevao continued the scoring within the second half because the EFL guests have been swept apart.
Alejandro Garnacho scored the seventh and last objective for Chelsea in stoppage time with a penalty.
Chelsea will uncover their semi-final opponents throughout the draw on Sunday night, with the match approaching April 25 or 26.
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