Chelsea’s Pursuit of Boca Juniors Wonderkid Aaron Anselmino

Chelsea have officially made a bid for Boca Juniors’ highly-touted young talent, Aaron Anselmino, although the offer falls short of the teenager’s release clause.

Chelsea’s Bid for Anselmino

Chelsea have long been interested in Anselmino, an Argentine prodigy. The bid, reportedly around $18 million (£14 million), signifies Chelsea’s serious intent.

Anselmino’s Background

Born on April 29, 2005, in Bernardo Larroude, Argentina, Aaron Anselmino emerged from Boca Juniors’ prestigious academy. He debuted for the first team in June 2023, quickly earning acclaim for his potential. Despite having only 10 senior appearances, his talent has drawn attention from top European clubs, including Chelsea.

Negotiation Hurdles

According to Cesar Luis Merlo, Chelsea’s $18 million offer does not meet Anselmino’s release clause, which is set at $25 million (£20 million). Therefore, further negotiations will be crucial to Chelsea’s chances of signing the promising defender.

Player Versatility

Anselmino is mainly a centre-back but is also adept as a defensive midfielder, showcasing his versatility. Standing at 1.86 meters (6’1″), he has the physical attributes for top-level football and could be a potential successor to Thiago Silva in Chelsea’s defense.

Future Prospects

Chelsea is not the only club interested in Anselmino. Earlier this year, Manchester United also showed interest, although no deal was reached, leading Anselmino to extend his contract with Boca Juniors until December 2028. This prolonged contract further underscores his value and the challenge Chelsea faces in securing his transfer.