The South American recruitment model at Chelsea could soon bring another in-form defender into the Bluco system, with Union’s Mateo Del Blanco emerging as a name to watch ahead of the summer window.
The 22-year-old left-back has been building serious momentum over the past year. He is no longer just a regular starter at Union – he has become one of their most decisive players.
In the current season, Del Blanco has already contributed two goals and one assist in 860 minutes, while averaging a 7.63 rating. His recent performance underlines that growth. He scored against Instituto, then provided a goal and assist in a chaotic 4–4 draw with Independiente. Shortly after, he delivered an 8.4-rated performance against Boca Juniors.
Those numbers matter because they reflect a broader trend. Del Blanco is not a traditional defensive full-back. He plays at a high level, often operating as a wide outlet, and regularly impresses in the final third.
This is also reflected in the flexibility of his position. He can operate as a forward on the left, which helps explain his output and growing reputation. All this has caught the attention of Chelsea.
Increasing attention in Argentina
That form has not gone unnoticed domestically. Reports from Argentina indicated that both River Plate and Boca Juniors showed interest in January. That level of attention usually signals that a player is ready for a big move, even before European clubs are fully involved.
Mateo del Blanco also provides continuity and availability. He extended his contract with the union until 2028 in December last year and has already made more than 90 senior appearances.
His current market valuation is around £3.4 million (€4 million), which puts him firmly in the profile that Chelsea are looking for – affordable, developing and with progress.
“Mateo del Blanco, Union player, to be bought by Chelsea and loaned to Racing de Strasbourg”
💣Bomb @RenzoMPantich In #NoPodemosPerderAZZ pic.twitter.com/tSU9OoY7WW
– AZZ (@azzenstream) 19 March 2026
Chelsea plan revealed
A new claim has emerged in this context. Journalist Renzo Pantich Chelsea are reportedly set to buy Mateo Del Blanco and send him on loan to Strasbourg in June.
Pantich tells the player “Will be bought by Chelsea in the coming months” Before joining the French side on loan.
Pantich goes further in his explanation, framing the deal as already negotiated within the group structure.
He indicated that Chelsea’s idea is not to just sign the player, but to integrate him into their multi-club route immediately, insisting that the plan is for Del Blanco “Arrive and then be sent to Strasbourg” As part of that process.
The clear tone of certainty in his reporting is telling. Pantich presents the move as an expectation of something happening rather than a loose possibility, and describes the operation as one that is already being prepared for the next window.
This passage closely matches how Chelsea have used Strasbourg since the acquisition of Bleu. Ligue 1 teams have become a major development platform for players coming from outside Europe. This provides minutes, adaptation time and a low-pressure environment before any potential move towards Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, Valentin Barco has excelled this season, leading to Chelsea are considering a return to the Premier League for him.
One option is for Barco to move to London and Del Branco to replace him in France.
what happens next
For Chelsea, this would be a calculated move rather than an immediate first-team solution. Mateo del Blanco’s current level looks promising, but there is still a gap between Argentinian domestic football and the Premier League.
However, structures are already in place to manage that risk. Strasbourg provides the bridge, and Del Blanco’s trajectory suggests he is ready for the next step.
At present, this step is at the claim stage. Nevertheless, the profile, timing and route all fit Chelsea’s model closely.
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