Chelsea have struck a deal with Boca Juniors to acquire the highly-rated 19-year-old centre-back Aaron Anselmino for around £15.5 million. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Argentinian defender is scheduled to fly to London on Monday for his medical before inking a long-term contract with the Blues. Under the terms of the agreement, Anselmino will be loaned back to Boca Juniors until January 2025.
Despite having made only 10 first-team appearances since his senior debut in June 2023, Anselmino's potential has caught the eye of Chelsea's scouts. The acquisition of the young talent is the latest move by the club under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, as they continue to build for the future.
Anselmino becomes the eighth signing for Chelsea this summer, following the appointment of head coach Enzo Maresca. The Blues are also on the verge of securing Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, further strengthening their squad.
While Anselmino may not immediately feature in Maresca's starting line-up due to the competition within the team, his signing demonstrates Chelsea's long-term vision. The club believes that the Argentinian prodigy has the potential to emulate legendary defenders like John Terry and Thiago Silva, becoming a future star at Stamford Bridge.
Interestingly, Anselmino's journey shares parallels with that of John Terry, who also had an unconventional youth career before rising to prominence at Chelsea. Both players made their senior debuts without representing their countries at youth level, yet their talent and maturity have been recognised by coaches and teammates alike.
Chelsea's £15.5 million investment in Anselmino is considered a bargain by many, given his status as one of South America's most promising defensive talents. Supporters are eagerly anticipating the young defender's arrival, hoping that he can develop into a key figure in the team's future success.
As Chelsea continues to bolster its ranks with exciting young prospects from around the world, including Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez and Brazilian forward Estevao Willian, the future looks bright at Stamford Bridge. With Anselmino's imminent signing, the club is laying the groundwork for a strong and sustainable future, ensuring that they remain competitive in the years to come.