Chelsea Dominates Port Vale to Secure FA Cup Semi-Final Spot
Chelsea delivered an emphatic performance on Saturday, defeating League One side Port Vale 7-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Jorrel Hato and Joao Pedro both found the net in the first half, with an own goal from Port Vale making it 3-0 at halftime at Stamford Bridge.
In the second half, defender Tosin Adarabioyo extended the lead to 4-0 before Andrey Santos added another goal to the tally.
Young talent Estevao also made his mark by getting on the scoresheet, and the scoring spree concluded when substitute Alejandro Garnacho converted a penalty in stoppage time.
As Liam Rosenior’s side awaits the draw for their semi-final opponents on Sunday, reports indicate that the club is making strides in the transfer market, looking to secure their first signing under the new management.
According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea is intensifying negotiations to sign defender Valentin Barco from French club Strasbourg.
Strasbourg is owned by the same group—BlueCo—that owns Chelsea, and Rosenior transitioned from his role at the French club to take the helm at Stamford Bridge in January.
Several players have transferred between the two teams in recent years, and reports suggest that Barco could be the next to make the switch. The 21-year-old joined Strasbourg on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion at the beginning of last year before making his move permanent last summer.
The versatile midfielder, who can also excel as a full-back, has amassed over 50 appearances for Strasbourg and played a crucial role for Rosenior in both the latter part of last season and the current campaign.
Rumors indicate that Chelsea is closing in on making the Argentine Barco Rosenior’s first signing as head coach, with preliminary terms reportedly agreed upon between the player and the London club.
