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News
- 51 minutes ago
Real Madrid keen to HIJACK Chelsea transfer after Rosenior demand
Cameron Smith
- 9 Feb 2026 14:51 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Real Madrid have reportedly expressed their interest in signing Strasbourg star Valentin Barco, who has been tipped to join Chelsea this summer.
The 21-year-old was converted from a left-back into a central midfielder by Liam Rosenior following his arrival in France last January and he has established himself as one of the most highly-rated players in Ligue 1 over the past 12 months.
Current ETV
Valentín Barco
M (C), D (L)
Strasbourg
Valentín Barco
M (C), D (L)
Strasbourg
ETV Range
€19M - €23.2M
Barco has registered 10 goal contributions in 28 appearances across all competitions so far this season and his form has attracted the attention of Real Madrid scouts, according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes.
Los Blancos are in the market for a new central midfielder and they have reportedly earmarked Barco as a cheaper alternative to fellow targets Vitinha, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Adam Wharton.
The Argentina international’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €21.1 million and Fichajes claim that a bargain fee of €25m may be enough to secure his signature this summer.
Valentin Barco to Chelsea?
While Real Madrid are interested in signing Barco, new Chelsea head coach Rosenior has personally asked the Blues hierarchy to sanction a deal for the 21-year-old this summer, as per Argentine publication Bolavip.
The Englishman worked with Barco for a year before being appointed as the permanent replacement for Enzo Maresca and he is keen to be reunited with the former Brighton & Hove Albion star later this year.
Chelsea are expected to sign a new central midfielder this summer, amid the injury woes of Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia, and Barco has been identified as an alternative to fellow targets Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
Given Chelsea also own Strasbourg, a deal feels fairly likely if the Blues opt to pursue a transfer and Real Madrid’s hijack attempt could therefore be in vain.
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