Chelsea could recall Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Boca Juniors in January and send him to a club on the other side of the Atlantic, according to reports in Argentina
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez sent a very telling message to a wonderkid Chelsea are considering recalling next month
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Image: Getty Images)
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Chelsea are reportedly considering an early recall for their Argentine prodigy Aaron Anselmino, who is currently out on loan at Boca Juniors.
The 19-year-old, who joined the Blues in a £15.6million deal from Boca in the summer, has been turning heads with his performances this season. After signing him, Chelsea immediately loaned him back to the Argentinian club for 12 months so the teenager could get some first team experience under his belt.
The initial plan was to bring him back to the fold at the end of the season, and integrate him into Enzo Maresca's first team during the 2025/26 campaign. But it now seems plans might be about to change.
According to Argentinian outlet BOLAVIP, Anselmino's form has been so impressive that Chelsea are thinking of recalling him in January. It's understood the Premier League club are keen for the centre back to test himself against European opposition and could arrange a loan move on the continent if he returns next month.
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Touted as one of the globe's most promising young defenders, Anselmino is set to join an illustrious list of Argentine players to have turned out at Stamford Bridge, including Hernan Crespo, Juan Sebastian Veron, Gonzalo Higuain, and Enzo Fernandez - who sent Anselmino encouraging words via WhatsApp after his transfer was confirmed.
"I congratulate you on this step," Fernandez's message read. "Now, smash it in the time that you have left at Boca and I'll wait for you. You'll smash it here too. Count on me for whatever you need."
It demonstrates how highly-regarded Anselmino is in Argentina. Despite not having represented his country at any level, the youngster has secured a starting position at Boca in recent months, and already has two goals and three assists to his name.
Aaron Anselmino (R) has been in top form for Boca Juniors
Anselmino is one of several promising South American talents Chelsea have acquired over the past year as part of their bold recruitment strategy under BlueCo. Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez are set to join the club in 2025, and, like Anselmino, are expected to make an immediate impact in west London.
As a commanding, two-footed centre-back, Anselmino has drawn comparisons to Chelsea legends such as John Terry and Thiago Silva, and his calmness and composure on the ball, coupled with his speed and strength, may explain why he's caught the attention of Enzo Maresca. He's currently sidelined with a hamstring injury - his second in four months - and it's understood that one reason Chelsea might recall him is to manage his recovery process.
Anselmino joined Chelsea in August but was immediately loaned back to Boca ( Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
Maresca has a wealth of defenders to choose from, but considering the fitness issues of Reece James and Wesley Fofana - both of whom are currently sidelined - and questions about the consistency of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, Anselmino could prove shrewd mid-season addition to the squad.
The Blues are currently second in the Premier League - a position they haven't held since January 2022 - having tasted defeat just twice in their first 14 matches. They're set to travel to Tottenham on Sunday, and a win could see them close in on league leaders Liverpool, should the Reds drop points in Saturday's Merseyside Derby against Everton.
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