Chelsea make their move! Blues bid for Boca Juniors wonderkid Aaron Anselmino but fall short of teenager's release clause

Anselmino, born on April 29, 2005, in Bernardo Larroude, Argentina, is a product of Boca Juniors' esteemed academy. The young defender made his first-team debut in June 2023, showcasing his potential and earning praise from coaches and fans alike. Despite his limited senior appearances, totalling just 10 games, Anselmino has demonstrated significant promise, which has caught the attention of top European clubs including Chelsea.

According to Cesar Luis Merlo,Chelsea have submitted an offer of $18m to Boca Juniors. However, this bid falls short of Anselmino's release clause, which is set at $25m (£20m). Hence, the negotiations between the two clubs will be crucial in determining whether Chelsea can secure the young Argentine's services.

Anselmino is primarily a centre-back but can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder, adding to his versatility on the field. Standing at 1.86 meters (6'1"), he possesses the physical attributes necessary for top-level football and hence could emerge as an ideal replacement for Thiago Silva in Chelsea' backline.

Chelsea are not the first club to show interest in Anselmino. Earlier in January, Manchester United were reportedly keen on signing the young defender. However, a move did not materialize, and Anselmino subsequently signed a contract extension with Boca Juniors on January 9, 2023. His current contract runs until December 21, 2028.