Real Madrid will reportedly compete with Chelsea in the race to sign 21-year-old Argentine international Valentin Barco from Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Valentin Barco is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. So, the 21-year-old RC Strasbourg prospect has emerged as a target for Los Blancos.
However, Real Madrid will not be alone in the battle for the South American midfielder’s signature, as Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also vying for the RC Strasbourg midfielder’s signature. Meanwhile, other Premier League clubs are also keen on signing him from the Ligue 1 club.
How has Valentin Barco fared in Ligue 1?
Valentin Barco has landed on his feet since joining RC Strasbourg from Brighton & Hove Albion. A native of 25 de Mayo, the youngster spent his formative years in Argentina and graduated from the youth division at Boca Juniors. However, the 21-year-old had to bide his time before establishing a stable foothold at RC Strasbourg.
The Ligue 1 outfit initially signed the Argentine international on loan in February 2025 before completing a permanent move in the subsequent summer transfer window. Barco has been excellent in the 2025/26 season, scoring one goal and providing eight assists in 26 outings thus far. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea and Real Madrid.
A man in demand
Valentin Barco has been on Chelsea’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as the Blues are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder. Several candidates have thus emerged on Chelsea’s wishlist, with Barco also a viable target.
As for Real Madrid, the Merengues have also had their sights set on the young midfielder for several years. The continued interest is understandable, as Dani Ceballos faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu. Several candidates have thus emerged on Real Madrid’s wishlist, with Barco also an option worth considering.
Apart from Chelsea and Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and other Premier League clubs are also keen on signing the 21-year-old Argentine international. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Barco amid his exploits for Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg.
