Chelsea now eye deal to sign "most signed wonderkid" in Football Manager
da bwin： Chelsea chiefs are now internally debating a potential deal for another rising star, according to a report out of Stamford Bridge this week.
Chelsea continue transfer policy of signing high-potential starlets
da fazobetai： Since the start of 2025, despite Enzo Maresca strongly suggesting that Chelsea need to bring in more experienced players, BlueCo have shown no sign of slowing down when it comes to their transfer policy of signing world football’s brightest up-and-coming talents.
Related £172k-per-week striker is waiting for Chelsea to contact him about joining
Chelsea are set for a big summer after qualifying for the Champions League.
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Earlier this year, the west Londoners agreed a double-deal with Sporting CP to sign their rising star duo, Geovany Quenda (18) and Dario Essugo (20), for a total fee of around £62.5 million, with the former set to fully join them in 2026 and the latter this summer.
Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings
Rank
Team
Points
GD
3
Man City
71
+28
4
Chelsea
69
+21
5
Newcastle
66
+21
6
Aston Villa
66
+7
7
Nottingham Forest
65
+12
It is now also being reported by reliable media sources that Chelsea are planning a pre-2026 deal for 22-year-old Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
Since Romano’s initial report, French media sources have claimed that Chelsea have moved in with a six-year contract offer to Emegha, and an agreement for the Ligue 1 sensation is merely a “matter of time”.
“Chelsea have offered Emanuel Emegha a six-year contract valid until June 2031,” wrote Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna on X.
“The intention is for him to stay in Strasbourg for another year and then go to Chelsea. A full agreement is just a matter of time.”
As Maresca’s side carry on planning for the long-term, Brighton starlet Valentin Barco, who spent the 2024/2025 on loan at Strasbourg, has now entered their radar.
Chelsea hold internal talks over signing Valentin Barco from Brighton
The Argentine midfielder can play in a variety of roles on the left, and he was the “most signed wonderkid” on popular PC game Football Manager last year.
According to CaughtOffside, while no formal approach has been made yet, Chelsea are holding internal talks over a potential move for Barco, and Maresca is believed to be a personal admirer of the 20-year-old.
“(He’s a) left back but he’s not going to be playing there, I don’t think,” said South American football expert Tim Vickery.
“He’s a left-sided attacking midfielder. Very good running with the ball. Amazing power that he generates from his left foot. Good from set-pieces.
“He can combine well. He had a sweet little thing going with Edison Cavani at Boca Juniors.”
Barco is fresh off a productive campaign at Strasbourg, finishing 24/25 as one of their best-performing players in Ligue 1 by average match rating per 90 – starting 14 Ligue 1 matches and bagging two assists (WhoScored).
It is little surprise Chelsea have taken note of his displays, possibly while keeping tabs on Andrey Santos’ progress in France and scouting Emanuel Emegha. In any case, the Blues’ relationship with their sister club may end up paying dividends again.
Man City were once linked with a move for Barco in 2023 as well, indicating he’s a player of real promise.