Chelsea agree deal to make their first signing of the Xabi Alonso era

Alonso faces a busy summer at Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Argentine sensation Valentin Barco who will become the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso has signed a four-year deal in west London and will officially begin duties in July with the Blues facing a huge summer after a desperately poor 2025-26 season.

Barco joined BlueCo-owned Strasbourg on a permanent deal for a fee of €10million (£8.7m) last summer following an initial loan move from Brighton .

The 21-year-old, who is regarded as one of his country’s brightest young talents , struggled to make an impact at the Seagulls but swiftly took to life in French football.

Last week, Barco announced he would be leaving Strasbourg with Fabrizio Romano now reporting Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign the versatile left-back who can also play in midfield.

The Argentina agreed personal terms with the Premier League side ‘a few weeks ago’ with the move now ready to go through.

In a statement on social media last week, Barco said: ‘Today I say goodbye to this club. I always gave everything on the pitch in every game for this shirt.

Barco will arrive in west London next month (Picture: Getty)

‘I want to thank my team-mates, who made everything easier for me; Liam Rosenior and his staff for the confidence they showed in me and for helping shape me as a player; Gary O’Neil and his staff for understanding me and helping me improve; everyone at the club who supports us every day; and the fans for the love they always gave me. Thank you, Strasbourg.’

Barco will be one of four new faces to arrive in July with a number of pre-agreed moves ready.

Emanuel Emegha will also arrive from Strasbourg while Sporting CP star Geovany Quenda will join in a £40million deal. 17-year-old Dastan Satpaev will also arrive from Kairat.

Calum McFarlane, who was parachuted in as interim boss following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal, will take change of his final game this weekend as Chelsea close out their season away to Sunderland .