Valentin Barco's extraordinary stats vs Mainz prove exactly why Chelsea want him so badly
Valentin Barco is expected to join Chelsea from Strasbourg this summer, just one year after he left Brighton for the French club.
The Blues' sister club are developing several players expected to ultimately play for the Premier League giants in the future, with the 21-year-old among the most impressive.
Barco signed for Brighton from Boca Juniors in 2024 but made just seven appearances for the Seagulls, spending two seasons out on loan before ultimately signing permanently for Strasbourg last summer.
The Argentina international has morphed into a tough-tackling central midfielder this season, having initially been viewed as a full-back.
He featured and excelled as Strasbourg beat Mainz 4-0 on Thursday to progress to the Conference League semi-final, with Chelsea transfer chiefs likely watching on.
Valentin Barco's stats vs Mainz say it all
Football Insider exclusively revealed in April that Liam Rosenior is backed by Chelsea ahead of this summer, despite an awful month for the manager.
The former Hull City boss replaced Enzo Maresca in January and had got off to a strong start, before consecutive draws at home to Leeds United and Burnley signalled concerns.
| Valentin Barco | vs Mainz (H) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Penalties won | 1 |
| Successful dribbles | 4/4 |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Duels won | 13/18 |
| Was fouled | 4 |
Fans could not have expected the collapse that has taken place since, however, with the Blues having lost five of their last six games across all competitions, beating only League One side Port Vale in the FA Cup.
Rosenior managed Barco at Strasbourg and is expected to be the driving force behind Chelsea's interest, although, judging by his performance on Thursday, decision-makers will be keen regardless.
The 21-year-old was staggeringly good in the middle of the park, winning a penalty with brilliant skill - that fellow future Chelsea man Emanuel Emegha missed - and completing an astonishing four dribbles.
It was his defensive work that stood out, however. Barco made four tackles and won a staggering 13 duels on the night.
If Chelsea chiefs were not already convinced by the Argentine's talent, they certainly will be now.
Chelsea finally get one over on Brighton
The route from Brighton to Chelsea is one that has been trodden time and time again in recent years.
Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and several others have made the trip for exorbitant fees, but it appears that the Seagulls made a mistake with Barco.
Strasbourg spent just £8.5million to sign the talented midfielder last summer, and Chelsea now look set to get their hands on him for a cut-price fee.
Brighton do have a sell-on clause, but they will come to rue the decision that saw Barco so easily given up on.