Strasbourg star Valentin Barco is still expected to become a Chelsea player this summer, after the Argentina star had a heated exchange with Jude Bellingham during the World Cup.
Barco was part of the Argentina squad that faced England in the semi-final of the World Cup last week, and is now expected to move to Stamford Bridge in the near future.
Chelsea have already completed the signings of Geovany Quenda and Marco Palestra this summer, and there are growing rumours that more could follow in the days and weeks ahead.
It was reported back in May that Barco would sign for Chelsea after the Londoners agreed a €40million (£34m) deal with Strasbourg. The Athletic have now revealed that Chelsea are on the verge of confirming the Barco signing, just days after the midfielder became involved in a fiery confrontation at the World Cup.
Barco was a member of the Argentina squad that battled through to the World Cup final, though he managed just 19 minutes of action across the entire tournament.
It was during the semi-final victory over England that Barco became involved in a tense exchange with Bellingham.
Barco, who remained on the bench throughout the win against the Three Lions, ran past several England players as he celebrated one of Argentina's goals.
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Following the final whistle, Bellingham was spotted watching on as Argentina's players celebrated, with Barco rushing over to join his jubilant teammates.
The Real Madrid star then noticed Barco and made his way over to the incoming Chelsea star, clipping him around the back of the head before the pair became embroiled in a heated confrontation, with shoving and fierce words exchanged.
Barco will now head off on a summer break having been part of the Argentina squad that reached the World Cup final, with a formal announcement from Chelsea confirming his signing appearing to be just around the corner.
The news surrounding Barco comes as Chelsea seal a deal to bring Morgan Rogers to Stamford Bridge from Aston Villa in a £117million transfer, pipping Arsenal to the England international's signature in the process.
Reports have also surfaced suggesting that England defender John Stones is firmly on the Blues' radar, after the 32-year-old departed Manchester City as a free agent earlier this summer.
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