Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino is now a Chelsea player, according to ESPN Sports Center journalist Diego Monroig.
The 19-year-old has signed his contract with the Blues and will return to the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, to rejoin Diego Martínez’s side.
Chelsea are parting with an initial £14 million for the services of Anselmino, while they will part with an additional £2.3m in add-ons if certain clauses are triggered.
ANSELMINO YA ES JUGADOR DE CHELSEA. Diego Monroig informó que el defensor firmó su contrato con los Blues y en las próximas horas regresará a Buenos Aires para sumarse al equipo de Diego Martínez.
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The Argentine teenage sensation will return to Boca Juniors on loan until at least next January, and he will hope to keep impressing in order to convince manager Enzo Maresca of his quality and readiness to play for the Chelsea first-team.
The 6ft 1in Anselmino has played just ten games for the Primera Division club at senior level, but the Stamford Bridge club had seen enough from him at that level and during his time at youth level to make a concrete decision, while Everton, AC Milan and Manchester United were also interested in signing him.
They have now secured his services and will keep monitoring his development going forward.
Chelsea are not short of quality options at the back right now, and Anselmino may need to wait for two or more seasons before he can force his way into the team.
He could be loaned out to Strasbourg for him to gain much-needed European experience next January or summer, and it is widely believed Anselmino has what it takes to establish himself as a Premier League mainstay and star in the future.
Chelsea have continued to recruit youngsters in South America for the future, saving themselves plenty of millions as a result, and more additions from Brazil and Argentina should be expected.
Maresca wants to return the London club to the pinnacle of English and European football, and the manager will hope to hit the ground running when the 2024-25 Premier League campaign kicks off.
