According to 90min, Chelsea along with several Premier League clubs are keeping a close watch on Boca Juniors’ left-back Valentin Barco in the upcoming window. This move is part of Mauricio Pochettino’s efforts to strengthen his squad.
Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly the frontrunners to secure a deal with the youngster, as they have already initiated discussions with the player’s representatives for a potential move in the upcoming summer.
However, the Argentine club is keen on extending Barco’s contract but faces stiff competition, including interest from Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle, Brentford, Wolves, and Nottingham Forest, among others.
Several Premier League clubs have dispatched scouts to Argentina to observe this promising talent in recent weeks. Additionally, Celtic, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Porto, AS Roma, Juventus, PSG, and AS Monaco have also expressed interest in the 19-year-old.
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Barco has emerged as one of Argentina’s most promising players, impressing with his performances for Boca Juniors. This season, he has participated in 19 matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists across all competitions.
Boca Juniors finished the first phase of the campaign in 7th place with 44 points, and the second phase is currently underway, with the club sitting in 6th place in Group B.
Boca Juniors board member Marcelo Delgado has disclosed that the club is actively working on a new contract for Barco.
The highly-rated young player has just one year remaining on his current contract, which includes a release clause of £8 million ($10 million).
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Boca Juniors are determined to retain one of their top talents and intends to raise his release clause. Discussions between the club and the player are expected to commence after their Copa Libertadores semi-final against Palmeiras on September 29.
Chelsea’s strategy of acquiring promising young players may lead them to formalize their interest in the coming weeks.
