Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea's next signing

Cameron Smith

5 Apr 2026 19:02 BST
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco ahead of a move this summer.

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The Argentina starlet has been identified as a key target by the Blues hierarchy in recent months and they have moved swiftly to finalise an agreement with his representatives before the 2026 summer transfer window opens in June.

Current ETV

Valentín Barco

M, DM (C)

Strasbourg

Valentín Barco

M, DM (C)

Strasbourg

ETV Range

€22.9M - €28M

Barco has spent the past 14 months with the Ligue 1 outfit and he was converted from a left-back into a central midfielder by former Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior, who is now in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Last month, it was reported that a deal for Barco to join Chelsea was “very close” and it has now been widely speculated that a full agreement has been reached. This has been confirmed by transfer expert Romano, who posted on X: “Valentin Barco has said yes to Chelsea move, personal terms agreed ahead of potential summer transfer.

“Colo Barco wants Chelsea and it’s all set on player side. Up to Chelsea if/when to proceed, in total control of the deal being at Strasbourg.”

Chelsea also own Strasbourg and they are therefore expected to officially complete the transfer shortly.

Confirmed: Valentin Barco to join Chelsea

Barco will bolster Chelsea’s midfield ranks this summer, with the reigning Club World Cup champions potentially set to lose the services of Enzo Fernandez, who is no longer content in west London and is eager to join Real Madrid ahead of the 2026-27 season.

He will become the sixth player to join Chelsea this summer, with the Blues having already finalised deals for Geovany Quenda, Dastan Satpaev, Denner and his current Strasbourg team-mate Emmanuel Emegha.

While Barco is only 21 years old, Chelsea are expected to shift their transfer strategy in order to sign more experienced stars this summer as they look to fix the errors made during the BlueCo era so far.

This has been confirmed by multiple sources, with Rosenior also keen for his squad to be bolstered with proven players capable of helping Chelsea challenge for major honours next term.

Elliot Anderson has been earmarked as one of the Blues’ top targets for this summer, while the club could also opt to sign an older centre-back capable of mentoring their current options.

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