Chelsea 'step up pursuit' of 19-year-old Guardiola favourite
Tom Weber
- Updated: 27 Oct 2023 21:31 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are "readying a push" for sought-after Argentine talent Valentin Barco, according to a report.
The Blues are facing some uncertainty in the left-back position. Though Marc Cucurella has begun to redeem himself in the absence of Ben Chilwell - who is once again struggling with a recurring hamstring issue - the Spaniard could still leave in January.
Ian Maatsen, meanwhile, has been used sparingly in the Premier League by Mauricio Pochettino, which is making contract talks complicated. The Blues were ready to cash in on the Dutchman in the summer, but, after being a regular fixture in pre-season, Maatsen decided to stay.
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Chelsea have now triggered an extension clause to avoid his contract expiring at the end of the season, but if he does not sign a new deal, he will once again be put up for sale. Manchester City are said to be interested in him and could make a move. This, in turn, could give Chelsea a free run at a long-time Man City target: Valentin Barco.
Chelsea "step up pursuit"
The Cityzens' interest in the Boca Juniors wonderkid has been widely reported, with Pep Guardiola an admirer of the versatile left-back. However, according to 90min, it is Chelsea who are "readying a push to try and convince Barco to head to Stamford Bridge instead."
Boca have been scrambling to get him to sign a new contract to get rid of a measly £8m release clause but to no avail. With his deal up in December 2024, it appears very likely that he will leave the Argentine giants this winter.
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The 19-year-old will be in action for Boca in the Copa Libertadores final against Fluminense, a game that will be of interest to plenty of scouts, with Liverpool target Andre set to line up for the Brazilians. Perhaps Barco and Andre will face each other again in the Premier League in 2024.
