Journalist Graeme Bailey has now claimed that Chelsea are absolutely desperate to get a deal over the line to sign defender Valentin Barco.
He told ‘The Talking Transfers Podcast’ that the Blues are looking to potentially secure a cheap deal for the left-back due to his achievable release clause.
Barco has certainly come to the attention of a number of elite sides in Europe, as the 19-year-old has impressed greatly for Boca Juniors.
The left-back role is one that could be about to go through some change at Stamford Bridge, with the potential that Ian Maatsen could leave the club.
He is yet to commit his future to the Blues, and this could see him sold so he doesn’t leave for free.
Now, Bailey has claimed that the Blues are desperate to bring in Barco to potentially replace him.
Chelsea pushing for Barco
He said: “He does look quite like De Bruyne, with flaming red hair. As an Argentine scout described him to me, he is very much reminiscent of Zinchenko. He plays on the left, can cut inside and has a wonderful pass on him as well as being quite combative on the left. He looks absolutely made for Man City, he’s a spectacular young player who I like a lot.
“But Chelsea are aware of him. Brighton tried to do a deal for him a few months ago, they tried to get in early and recognised how good he was. There has been a few teams on the continent as well.
“Chelsea have come in, they are trying to do everything they can, he has a small release clause – only about £8 million. But it’s my understanding that some teams might pay slightly more than that. So you may see a £10 or £12 million deal, in terms of Premier League it’s no money at all.
“We expect Barco to make a decision on his future after this weekend’s Copa Libertadores final. Boca are trying to tie him to a new deal. But when you have Man City, Chelsea – you wouldn’t rule out Brighton. But when you have City there, I think they probably need someone who can play there, and he’s special. He’s really good. So don’t be surprised if Barco is at City in January. They’re confident.”
With Manchester City seemingly really intrigued by the prospects of a deal, it is going to be a difficult one for the Blues to get over the line.
