The world star is expected to sign for Chelsea

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

More than £1.7b has been put into new additions, with managers looking to invest in young talent who can develop into top stars in the coming years.

South America has been a major area of ​​interest for the recruitment team in recent seasons, as evidenced by the number of purchases 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 country to join the West London outfit.

However, new manager Xabi Alonso could be looking to capitalize on the link, as the target club have added to the Spaniard’s sponsorship commitments during his first campaign in the Premier League.

The South American star is now set to sign for Chelsea this summer

As is often the case with Chelsea in the transfer window, the club have already been linked with a host of talent – despite the window not opening until early June.

Brentford’s Igor Thiago is just one player shortlisted for the club after scoring 22 goals in England’s top flight during the campaign.

Keith Andrews’ team is said to be reluctant to release the Brazilian player who will represent his country in the World Cup this summer.

Thiago isn’t the only South American star to appear on the Blues’ radar recently, with Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco also catching the eye of the recruitment team.

According to L’Equipe of France, Chelsea will agree to a deal to sign the Argentinian when the transfer window opens with a six-year contract.

The player himself has sent a farewell message on social media to fans of the Ligue 1 club after making 43 appearances in all competitions this season.

The report also says that the talks between the player and Alonso’s team have not changed and it is expected that the move will be completed before kick-off in 2026/27.

Why Barco is resigning from Chelsea star Andrey Santos

As part of a drive to recruit South Americans in recent campaigns, Chelsea have secured the £13m signing of midfielder Andrey Santos until January 2023.

The Brazilian has had to spend his time in West London, even being sent out on several loan spells, but has found his place as a first-team regular this season.

The 22-year-old has made 47 appearances in all competitions this season, often partnering Moises Caicedo in the Blues’ two-man midfield.

His performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night was one to remember, as he scored his first Premier League goal to push the Lilywhites closer to the Premier League.

However, despite his impressive performances, Santos could find first-team minutes hard to come by next season – especially if Barco moves to Stamford Bridge.

As a Brazilian, the Argentinian has made a name for himself at sister club Strasbourg, and the former Brighton star is a player who could have a big future in West London.

Both were stellar during their time in the top flight, but Barco has shown a level above Santos that could see him become a regular starter under the new manager next term.

The 21-year-old has transitioned into a deep-lying midfielder in recent months, after attracting attention with his 1.6 chances created per 90 appearances this season.

Such a figure is twice as high as the Brazilian’s during his time in Ligue 1 – after which he showed his quality with the ball at his feet.

Barco has also completed some of the crosses he has attempted this campaign – another example of why the Argentine is more talented than the current Blues star.

Off the ball, the soon-to-be Blues star has gained a better touch on the ball – arguably making him an even more impressive talent in 2026.

Despite his young age, the current star of Strasbourg has gained a lot of fame in his career, with talent scout Jacek Kulig calling him “one of the great treasures of South America”.

While it is unclear how much the Argentine’s deal will cost this summer, the Blues look set to land another world-class young prospect with an 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 contributions this season at the Bridge.