Florent Malouda has been left scratching his head over Chelsea’s decision to focus on Valentin Barco, claiming the move raises ‘so many questions’ in regards to the club’s current transfer model.
Barco joined BlueCo-owned Strasbourg on a everlasting deal for a fee of €10million (£8.7m) last summer following an initial loan move from Brighton.
Widely regarded to be among the many brightest young talents in Argentinian football, the 21-year-old has quickly settled into life in France, making 40 appearances and chipping in with two goals for Strasbourg.
But there’s mounting speculation that the left-back-cum-midfielder will soon be on the move again, with talks over a switch to Chelsea progressing at a pace in recent weeks.
Given Strasbourg and Chelsea are each a part of the BlueCo ownership, negotiations between the 2 sides have been straightforward and there are usually not expected to be any last-minute hiccups in discussions.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this month that Barco had ‘said yes’ to Chelsea and private terms were agreed for the Argentina international to hitch the Blues at the tip of the season.
Barco is believed to have his heart set on Stamford Bridge and all the pieces is able to go from the player’s side. It’s now ‘as much as Chelsea’ to determine if or when to proceed, with the Club World Cup holders said to be ‘in total control’ of the teen’s future.
Giving his thoughts on the proposed move for Aceodds.com, Malouda said he had no doubts that Barco was indeed a ‘good player’ with clear potential.
Nonetheless, the ex-Chelsea and France winger insists his former club ought to be targeting elite-level talent with proven pedigree and experience of winning major silverware.
‘In fact, due to the ownership, players from Strasbourg will routinely be mentioned with a move to Chelsea, but there are such a lot of questions,’ Malouda said.
‘It relies on who leaves and who stays. Also regarding Enzo Fernandez.
‘I don’t see Chelsea as a club who should develop players. They need to get players who’re used to winning trophies, and it doesn’t matter about age.
‘It’s about whether you’re used to winning titles or not, no matter it being in France, Germany or one other country.
‘You shouldn’t buy a player just due to the ownership, and it isn’t like Valentin Barco is playing for PSG regardless that he’s player.’
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Malouda can be concerned for Barco’s development as a player, with the Argentina international set to return up against fierce competition for minutes if he joins Chelsea.
‘He isn’t playing Champions League week in, week out, or competing with national team players,’ Malouda added.
‘I don’t think it will help Valentin Barco to place him in that situation.’
Barco struggled to make an impact during his previous spell within the Premier League with Brighton, making only seven top-flight appearances for the Seagulls.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior shares an in depth relationship with Barco well having coached the versatile full-back when he was in control of Strasbourg.
Barco’s current contract with the Ligue 1 outfit isn’t attributable to expire until June 2029.
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