Chelsea and Strasbourg look set to continue doing business in the summer transfer window, with Valentin Barco closing in on a move to London while a forgotten Blues player could make the journey in the opposite direction.
Valentin Barco closing in on Chelsea
The Chelsea-Strasbourg axis shows no sign of slowing down. The two BlueCo clubs have already agreed the transfer of Emanuel Emegha for next summer, but he is unlikely to be the only deal between them. According to journalist Guillem Balague, who has nearly one million followers on X, Valentin Barco is very close to joining Chelsea.
The 21-year-old Argentine central midfielder has established himself as a regular starter in Strasbourg's midfield in recent months, making 35 appearances this season with one goal and nine assists. His technical profile had already caught the eye of Enzo Maresca, and is now said to be on the radar of his former Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior.
Given the close ties between the two clubs, combined with the Argentine's performances and potential, the deal appears a logical one. The fee Strasbourg can command will be worth watching — they paid £8.5m to sign him from Brighton. Barco is currently valued at £21m by Transfermarkt.
Mykhaylo Mudryk could return on loan at Strasbourg
The names of Chelsea and Strasbourg are also being mentioned in connection with Mykhaylo Mudryk. The Ukrainian winger, who was provisionally suspended for doping in December 2024, has still not returned to competitive football. The 25-year-old continues to train and is fighting to prove his innocence as he awaits a verdict, L'Equipe reported.
His return to action remains very uncertain, more than a year and a half after his last match. Chelsea continue to stand by their player — signed for £60m and under contract until June 2031 — and in the event of a positive outcome, whether charges are dropped or a short suspension is handed down, a loan to Strasbourg appears to be the most likely route back.
“There is a possibility that Mykhaylo Mudryk will go to Strasbourg. He would surely have the humility to accept this challenge after almost two years without playing, if he is offered a loan,” an English source told the French sports daily. Competition on the wings at Chelsea is indeed fierce for a player who will need to rediscover his sharpness after such a long absence.
