Chelsea could be set to make a move for Boca Juniors youngster Valentin Barco in the New Year.
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It is understood that the Argentine defender is out of contract with Boca Juniors next summer, albeit they want to extend his deal beyond 2024.
The report says that Chelsea are ready to approach the teenage full-back on a pre-contract deal in January.
90min reported last month that Chelsea are among the clubs to show interest in Barco by scouting him this year. In addition, Premier League sides Brighton, Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford and Newcastle United have looked at the South American talent.
The youngster’s still pretty new to first-team football, making just 29 appearances for Argentine giants Boca Juniors. His reputation has still earned widespread interest in Europe, though.
Described as a “technically very good player” by Juan Roman Riquelme (The Argus), Barco is an attack-minded football tipped for a big future.
The left-back, who can also play further up the pitch on the wings, is currently part of Argentina’s national side at the Under-20 age group.
Valentin Barco not essential
Chelsea’s stockpiling of the world’s best youngsters is frustrating a lot of supporters.
There’s only so much room in the Blues first-team and academy sides, so a lot of these stars for the future join the books and go straight out on loan.
For the left-back position, Chelsea have plenty of first-team options with the likes of Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill.
Yes, young Blues full-back Ian Maatsen is linked with a transfer exit. That doesn’t really open up a spot at left-back, though.