Chelsea has finalized a deal with Boca Juniors to sign Aaron Anselmino, with an agreement that sees the young defender remaining on loan in Argentina for up to another year.
The Premier League team has agreed on a price of £14.1m, and extra £3.1m in possible add ons, for the 19-year-old, who has played 10 times for Boca’s main team.
Chelsea started talks with Boca last month, mainly on when Anselmino might move to Stamford Bridge.
Reports from TyC Sports indicate Boca’s preference for Anselmino to stay, prompting Chelsea to accommodate this request with a loan extension until the summer of 2024.
A break clause has been included in the agreement, allowing Chelsea the option to recall Anselmino to the Premier League earlier if needed.
Anselmino’s impending arrival marks Chelsea’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window.
He joins Tosin Adarabioyo, who arrived on a free transfer from Fulham, Marc Guiu, signed for £5 million from Barcelona, Omari Kellyman, secured in a £19 million deal from Aston Villa, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, acquired for £30 million from Leicester City earlier this week.
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Having risen through Boca’s academy ranks, Anselmino made his debut for the first team a year ago, albeit facing challenges with recurring hamstring injuries that limited his appearances.
Former Boca head coach Jorge Almiron commended Anselmino’s early impact, remarking, “He appeared as if he had already played 200 games… He possesses technical prowess, speed, and adept passing ability.”
Juan Roman Riquelme, a revered figure in Argentine football and Boca’s president, expressed confidence in Anselmino’s potential, foreseeing a bright future for the young defender.
Riquelme emphasized Anselmino’s development, mental fortitude, and strong desire to improve, suggesting he has the qualities to become a standout player, possibly even for Argentina’s national team.
With Anselmino’s loan extension secured, Chelsea anticipates his continued growth and development at Boca Juniors, preparing him for a potential pivotal role in the Premier League upon his eventual arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s decision to extend Anselmino’s loan underscores their strategic approach in developing promising talent.
As he continues his development at Boca Juniors, all eyes will be on how this promising young defender shapes up for a potential role at Stamford Bridge in the future.
