Chelsea could sign a new central defender next year, but they may not actually need to.
The Blues have Aaron Anselmino on their books, and the 20-year-old is showing that he has a lot of potential during his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.
If Chelsea do want to add a centre-back to their squad, keeping Anselmino at the club next summer could be an option.
Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?
Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌
Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs
Levi Colwill
Wesley Fofana
Trevoh Chalobah
Benoit Badiashile
Tosin Adarabioyo
Josh Acheampong
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's goal with teammate Wesley Fofana
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Bringing him back to Stamford Bridge in January is also a possibility because of a recall option.
Borussia Dortmund defender Aaron Anselmino celebrating
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Borussia Dortmund don’t expect Chelsea to recall Aaron Anselmino
Journalist Patrick Berger has reported on X that Chelsea can recall Anselmino back to the club in the winter transfer window.
However, according to Berger, Dortmund do not expect the Club World Cup winners to trigger their recall option.
It is good news for Niko Kovac, as Anselmino has been able to make a real impact for Dortmund when he has played.
The Chelsea loanee with the most potential is _ _ _ _ _ _
Mike Penders of Chelsea FC poses with the trophy during the
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The Argentine has had some injury problems this season but has impressed when he has played.
Last month, Kovac praised Anselmino, stating that he is a “true professional” who has not neglected the art of defending.
Aaron Anselmino of Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and FK Bodo/Glimt
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Two stats prove Aaron Anselmino could become complete modern-day defender
While Kovac appreciates Anselmino’s defensive work, the Chelsea loanee is still a modern-day centre-half who has some skill on the ball.
For example, as per FBref, Anselmino is completing 5.39 passes per 90 minutes, which puts him in the 91st percentile for that area among his positional peers.
Anselmino is also making 2.43 tackles per 90 minutes, placing the former Boca Juniors star in the 97th percentile.
He has the skill set to become a quality modern-day defender if Chelsea can get his development right. That means leaving him at Dortmund for the rest of the season and possibly even longer if Enzo Maresca cannot guarantee the Argentina youth international regular game time yet.
There may be some concerns about his injuries, but Anselmino certainly has a bright future.
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