Pochettino believes Chelsea are 'building something'
Chelsea and Celtic are among the clubs who may be feeling the heat as talk ramps up around Manchester City signing Valentin Barco. Sergio Aguero has recommended the teenager to his former employers, with top clubs from around Europe poised to try their luck with Boca Juniors in 2024.
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Barco is now a regular in the Boca first team, despite having only turned 19 back in May. A versatile player who rose through the ranks as a left-back, the youngster is already capped up to Under-20 level with Argentina.
His electric performances haven't gone unnoticed among Europe's elite. Reports indicate that Brighton, who have developed a speciality in recognising young talent from far-flung leagues, are big fans of Barco.
Chelsea, Celtic, Newcastle United and Man City are too, according to 90min. In a recent stream, Aguero gave the Sky Blues a nudge by raving about Barco's potential.
"He plays well," said the 35-year-old, who scored 260 goals in 390 matches for City. "Very good player. Is he going to last a little longer with Boca or not? I don't think it will last long. He is very good. City will surely take him."
If manager Pep Guardiola views Barco as a left-back, there is already a vacancy for him at the Etihad Stadium as City have ventured into the new campaign without a senior player native to the position in their ranks.
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Centre-backs Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have each filled in when required, while Sergio Gomez has been used further forward when called upon in cup competitions. Barco will be out of contract at Boca in just over a year, exposing the Buenos Aires giants to the possibility of losing him for free.
Even the teenager's current deal is reported to contain a release clause of just £8million, with numerous clubs keeping tabs ahead of the January transfer window. Chelsea, Celtic and City's other rival suitors may wish to make speedy progress in negotiations before the Sky Blues get there first.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover, Chelsea have made a concerted effort to recruit up-and-coming talent. Manager Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly barred from bringing any player over the age of 25 to Stamford Bridge during the summer.
Boca are believed to be working on a new contract for Barco so that they can bank a healthier fee when the talented starlet inevitably departs.
