Chelsea have reportedly opted to increase their efforts in the race to sign Boca Juniors youngster Valentin Barco.
For a number of months, the 19-year-old has emerged as one of the top prospects in world football courtesy of his showings for the Argentine giants.
A total of 29 appearances have been made in all competitions, the majority of them coming in 2023 where he has chipped in with one goal and three assists.
Ideally, Boca Juniors would like to retain the services of the left-sided player for years to come, but his contract is due to expire in December 2024.
That has created a scenario where a wide array of clubs from Europe are monitoring the situation, aware that there is scope to negotiate a deal.
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A report has previously indicated that Manchester City have every confidence of eventually getting a transfer over the line during the January transfer window.
Brighton & Hove Albion, who also have a proven history of signing South American talent and turning them into stars, are also keen to add Barco to their ranks.
However, according to 90min, Chelsea have reached the decision to rival two of their Premier League rivals for Barco's services.
Mauricio Pochettino is not short of options on the left-hand side of the pitch with Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen all capable of playing at full-back.
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Nevertheless, the long-term plan is to switch Colwill to the middle of the defence, while Ian Maatsen is allegedly only tied to the Blues until 2025 at the latest if a 12-month extension of his contract has been formally activated.
Should the Dutchman not be open to penning fresh terms, though, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital will be prepared to listen to offers for a player of similar attributes to Barco.
As it stands, Maatsen has made two starts and six substitute outings in all competitions this campaign, with none of the aforementioned starts coming in the Premier League.
With Barco said to possess an £8m release clause, Chelsea seemingly have an opportunity to sign the Argentina Under-20 international and sell Maatsen for a higher fee.
Darren Plant
