Chelsea confirm Valentin Barco as ninth summer signing

Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco for an undisclosed fee, making the Argentina international their ninth arrival of the summer. The 22-year-old has committed his future to the club until 2033 and will link up with Xabi Alonso's first-team squad later in pre-season. Barco landed at Strasbourg following a difficult period at Brighton & Hove Albion and was then converted from left-back into a central midfielder by former manager Liam Rosenior. Alonso is expected to use Barco in midfield next season, although there is speculation the Argentine could be sent out on loan immediately as Chelsea continue to pursue Bournemouth's Alex Scott. Chelsea have also finalized a deal for Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, who is set to formally arrive at Stamford Bridge shortly. Enzo Fernandez looks likely to remain at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Real Madrid currently prioritizing a move for Manchester City's Rodri. Alonso already has Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Fernandez as senior central midfield options, while academy pair Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli have impressed in pre-season. Barco registered 12 goal contributions in 43 appearances across all competitions for Strasbourg last season. That earned him a place in Argentina's squad for this summer's tournament, where he made one appearance as Lionel Scaloni's side fell to Spain in the final. Barco has followed Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Denner, Danny Welbeck and Dastan Satpaev through the doors at Stamford Bridge, with the fee not disclosed. Chelsea have also sold Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella, Tyrique George and Jimmy-Jay Morgan on permanent deals, while Alejandro Garnacho has joined Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy.