Chelsea are interested in signing 19-year-old Argentine defender Valentin Barco, a target for Manchester City.
A report from 90min has claimed that Chelsea have now intensified their efforts to sign Valentin Barco next year. The 19-year-old left-back is also a target for several other high-profile clubs.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City. Barco is highly rated in South America, and he has a big future ahead of him. He has already established himself as a regular starter for Boca Juniors and will look to make his mark in English football if the transfer goes through.
Chelsea already have three quality left-backs in Ben Chilwell, Ian Maatsen and Marc Cucurella. However, the transfer of Cucurella has not worked out, while Maatsen faces an uncertain future at Chelsea. The former Brighton & Hove Albion defender has impressed in the Premier League in the past. But he has not been able to live up to the expectations at Stamford Bridge.
The defender was linked with a move away from Chelsea during the summer transfer window and it remains to be seen whether the Blues decide to cash in on him in the coming months. As for Maatsen, clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on signing him.
So, Chelsea should bring in a replacement, and Barco would be a quality long-term investment. The 19-year-old could be the ideal understudy for Chilwell, and he could establish himself as a key player for the London club in the coming seasons. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can beat Manchester City to his signature.
The Premier League champions need to sign a quality left-back as well. They have been using Josko Gvardiol as a left-back this season. But the Croatian international is more suited to the role of a central defender. Signing a specialist full-back could prove to be a wise decision for Manchester City, and Barco certainly has the potential to play for a big club.
If Chelsea or Manchester City can sign him for a reasonable price in January, the move could prove to be a bargain in the long run. Working under managers like Mauricio Pochettino, and Pep Guardiola will only help the youngster improve further and fulfil his tremendous potential. Both managers have a proven track record when it comes to nurturing talented young players.
It will be interesting to see where the 19-year-old defender ends up eventually. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be an exciting option for him and he is likely to be tempted if there is a concrete offer on the table.
