Florent Malouda has been left scratching his head over Chelsea’s decision to target Valentin Barco, claiming the move raises ‘so many questions’ about the club’s current transfer model.
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.
Widely regarded to be among the 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 is 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 both part of the BlueCo ownership, negotiations between the two sides have been straightforward and there are 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 personal terms were agreed for the Argentina international to join the Blues at the end of the season.
Barco is believed to have his heart set on Stamford Bridge and everything is ready to go from the player’s side. It is now ‘up to Chelsea’ to decide if or when to proceed, with the Club World Cup holders said to be ‘in total control’ of the youngster’s future.
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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.
However, the ex-Chelsea and France winger insists his former club should be targeting elite-level talent with proven pedigree and experience of winning major silverware.
‘Of course, because of the ownership, players from Strasbourg will automatically be mentioned with a move to Chelsea, but there are so many questions,’ Malouda said.
‘It depends on who leaves and who stays. Also regarding Enzo Fernandez.
‘I don’t see Chelsea as a club who should develop players. They should get players who are used to winning trophies, and it doesn’t matter about age.
‘It is about whether you are used to winning titles or not, regardless of it being in France, Germany or another country.
‘You shouldn’t buy a player just because of the ownership, and it is not like Valentin Barco is playing for PSG even though he is a good player.’
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Malouda is also concerned for Barco’s development as a player, with the Argentina international set to come up against fierce competition for minutes if he joins Chelsea.
‘He is not playing Champions League week in, week out, or competing with national team players,’ Malouda added.
‘I don’t think it would help Valentin Barco to put him in that situation.’
Barco struggled to make an impact during his previous spell in the Premier League with Brighton, making only seven top-flight appearances for the Seagulls.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior shares a close relationship with Barco well having coached the versatile full-back when he was in charge of Strasbourg.
Barco’s current contract with the Ligue 1 outfit is not due to expire until June 2029.
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