Teenage star now expected to sign for Manchester City, not Chelsea

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Manchester City are expected to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Boca Juniors left back Valentin Barco.

Chelsea are keen on signing Valentin Barco but Manchester City are now expected to secure the Boca Juniors talent.

That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim that City are thought to be the frontrunners to sign Barco.

It’s stated that Chelsea have shown a real interest in signing Barco despite having a number of left backs.

Ben Chilwell has started the season as a left wing back with Ian Maatsen and Marc Cucurella also available.

Chelsea may simply view Barco as a top talent for the future – a profile Chelsea have been stockpiling of late.

Chelsea are looking likely to miss out here though with City pushing for Barco’s signature.

Ole reported earlier this month that City have made an offer to Boca for Barca – but they may need to wait.

Barco allegedly wants to wait and play out Boca’s Copa Libertadores campaign before moving on in 2024.

Boca are playing Racing in the quarter-finals in the Copa Libertadores and drew 0-0 in the first leg.

The second leg is this Friday, which is deadline day in England – and may mean City have to put a deal on hold.

A move to City is still expected and Pep Guardiola’s men may be tempted to try and get a deal done now and leave Barco on loan with Boca until January.

Who is Manchester City target Valentin Barco?

Barco hails from just outside of Buenos Aires and joined the Boca ranks before even becoming a teenager.

The 19-year-old has made his way up through the Boca ranks and has now made 20 first-team appearances.

That isn’t a lot of football just yet but Barco has made a huge impact, playing mostly as a left back but also further forward.

Barco has picked up one goal and two assists for Boca and also has three Argentina Under-20 caps to his name.

Barco is seen as a huge talent and the future of the Argentina side at left back having shown big potential with Boca.

City have noticed Barco’s promise and may believe that he can shine under Pep Guardiola with Chelsea seemingly set to lose the race for his signature.