Chelsea set to sign Argentina World Cup star Valentin Barco from Strasbourg
Chelsea is set to announce the signing of Argentine World Cup star Valentin Barco from French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. The 22-year-old defender spent two years at Brighton, playing just six Premier League matches before moving to Strasbourg for 18 months. Chelsea's new head coach Xabi Alonso is reshaping the squad after a turbulent season that saw Enzo Maresca leave in January and Liam Rosenior last only four months. The Blues recently broke the British transfer record by paying £117 million for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, partly funded by the loan-to-buy move of Alejandro Garnacho for £50 million. Alonso also plans to bring back Portuguese teen Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon and has signed right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta, while pursuing left-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace to replace Marc Cucurella, who moved to Real Madrid. Barco's arrival could bolster a defense weakened by Levi Colwill's long-term knee injury, though he may face a hostile welcome from rival fans after provoking England players during the World Cup semi-final when he entered as a substitute and provoked Jude Bellingham, who later slapped him. Registration details or medical dates were not disclosed.