Valentin Barco is set to become a Chelsea player in the coming days, just a week after the Argentina international clashed with Jude Bellingham during the World Cup semi-final. The 22-year-old, who managed only 19 minutes of action across the entire tournament, was spotted celebrating Argentina’s victory over England on the pitch after the final whistle. Bellingham, the Real Madrid star, approached Barco, clipped him around the back of the head, and the pair erupted into a heated confrontation involving shoving and fierce words.
The London club agreed a €40m (£34m) deal with Strasbourg back in May, and The Athletic now report an announcement is imminent. Barco will become the fourth signing of a busy summer at Stamford Bridge, following Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers – the latter arriving from Aston Villa in a £117m transfer that saw Chelsea pip Arsenal to the England international’s signature.
“Chelsea agree £34m deal for Argentina's Barco after World Cup clash with Bellingham.”
Arsenal, stung by that hijack, are pushing on with other business. The Gunners have a signing flying in for a medical today, their third summer acquisition, as they look to regroup after missing out on Rogers.
Chelsea’s spending spree may not be over. Reports have surfaced suggesting England defender John Stones, 32, is firmly on the Blues’ radar after leaving Manchester City as a free agent earlier this summer. Barco, meanwhile, will head off on a summer break having reached the World Cup final with Argentina – a formal confirmation from Chelsea expected shortly.