According to Metro, Chelsea have finalized an agreement with Boca Juniors to acquire Aaron Anselmino, though the young defender will continue on loan in Argentina for up to another year.
The Premier League club secured the deal for a reported $18 million (£14.1m), with an additional $4m (£3.1m) in potential add-ons, despite Anselmino having only ten first-team appearances with Boca.
Last month, Chelsea submitted their bid to Boca, initiating negotiations over the timing of Anselmino's transfer to Stamford Bridge. According to TyC Sports, Boca preferred to retain Anselmino, and Chelsea have agreed to allow him to remain on loan until the summer of 2024, with a provision allowing his potential recall after six months.
Anselmino will become Chelsea’s fifth signing of the summer, following Tosin Adarabioyo's free transfer from Fulham, Marc Guiu's £5m move from Barcelona, Omari Kellyman's £19m acquisition from Aston Villa, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's recent £30m deal from Leicester City.
Having progressed through Boca’s academy, Anselmino faced limited appearances due to hamstring issues since his first-team debut a year ago. Former Boca head coach Jorge Almiron praised Anselmino’s performance, noting his technical ability, speed, and promising future potential alongside senior players like Marcos Rojo.
Reflecting on Anselmino's development, Boca president and Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme expressed confidence in his future, foreseeing him as a significant asset for the national team.