He wipes the floor with Santos: World-class star is set to sign for Chelsea

Chelsea’s business in the transfer market over recent years has certainly divided opinion, as the Blues have spent a fortune trying to return to their former glory.

Over £1.7b has been splashed on new additions, with the hierarchy turning their attention to investing in youth talent who can develop into leading stars in the years ahead.

South America has been the biggest area of interest to the recruitment team in recent seasons, as seen by the flurry of acquisitions moving to Stamford Bridge from the aforementioned continent.

The likes of Kendry Paez, Estevao Willian and Angelo Gabriel are just three players who have cost a pretty penny after leaving their homeland to join the West London outfit.

However, new boss Xabi Alonso could also look to benefit from such a link, as the club target added reinforcements to back the Spaniard during his maiden campaign in the Premier League.

South American superstar now set to sign for Chelsea this summer

As is usually the case with Chelsea and the transfer window, the club have already been linked with a whole host of talents – despite the window not opening until early June.

Brentford talisman Igor Thiago is just one player who’s emerged on the club’s shortlist after scoring 22 times in England’s top-flight during the ongoing campaign.

Keith Andrews’ side are said to be reluctant to offload the Brazilian international who is set to represent his nation during the upcoming World Cup this summer.

Thiago isn’t the only South American star to appear on the Blues’ radar of late, with Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco another who’s caught the eye of the recruitment team.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, Chelsea are set to agree a deal to sign the Argentine international when the transfer window opens on a six-year contract.

The player himself has already posted a goodbye message on social media to the fans of the Ligue 1 club after making 43 appearances across all competitions this term.

The report also claims that discussions between the player and Alonso’s side are constant and a move is expected to be completed before a ball is kicked in 2026/27.

Why Barco wipes the floor with Chelsea star Andrey Santos

As part of the South American recruitment drive in recent campaigns, Chelsea secured the £13m signing of midfielder Andrey Santos back in January 2023.

The Brazilian has had to bide his time in West London, even being sent on multiple loan spells, but he’s secured his place as a first team regular during the current season.

The 22-year-old has racked up 47 appearances across all competitions this term, often partnering Moises Caicedo at the base of the Blues’ two-man midfield.

His display against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night was one to remember, as he netted his first Premier League goal and pushed the Lilywhites closer to Premier League relegation.

However, despite his impressive performance, Santos may find regular starting minutes hard to come by next season – especially if Barco moves to Stamford Bridge.

Like the Brazilian, the Argentine has made a name for himself at sister club Strasbourg, with the former Brighton star a player who could have a huge future in West London.

Both starred during their respective periods in France’s top-flight, but Barco has demonstrated a level above Santos which could see him be a regular starter under the new boss next term.

The 21-year-old has shifted into a deep-lying midfield role in recent months, subsequently catching the eye with his tally of 1.6 chances created per 90 this season.

Such a tally is two times higher than that of the Brazilian during his own period in Ligue 1 – subsequently demonstrating his quality with the ball at his feet.

Barco has also completed more of the crosses he’s attempted this campaign – another example as to why the Argentine is a bigger talent than the current Blues star.

Without the ball, the soon-to-be Blues star has also achieved a better tackle success rate – undoubtedly making him a more impressive all-round talent in 2026.

Despite his tender age, the current Strasbourg star has received huge credit in his career, with talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him one of “South America’s biggest jewels”.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Argentine would cost this summer, the Blues appear to be landing yet another world-class young prospect for the immediate and long-term future.

He has the tools to cement his place at the heart of Alonso’s side next term, which could see Santos struggle to emulate his impact from this season at the Bridge.