Chelsea
Chelsea’s developing plan for Mateo Del Blanco is already facing mixed signals in Argentina, with fresh reporting suggesting the situation is far less advanced than first presented.
In our earlier coverage, journalist Renzo Pantich described a clear pathway being prepared. He bluntly stated that Del Blanco ‘will be bought by Chelsea and loaned to Racing de Strasbourg’, framing the move as something expected to happen soon.
That version positioned the deal as structured and aligned with Chelsea’s multi-club model. Strasbourg would act as the first step, allowing the 22-year-old left-back to adapt before any potential move to Stamford Bridge.
However, reporting from Argentina now paints a more cautious picture.
Situation seen differently in Santa Fé
Argentine outlet Olé has addressed the situation from inside Unión – and the tone is notably different.
Both the club and the player’s representatives insist that no formal Chelsea offer has arrived. From Santa Fe, the situation is still being treated as speculation, even if interest from Europe is acknowledged.
Crucially, this is not framed as a deal in motion. Instead, it is described as a rumour that is growing in visibility, but without concrete steps behind it.
Del Blanco attracting interest – but no offers
Olé also provides broader context around the player’s rising profile. Mateo Del Blanco was the top assist provider in the 2025 Clausura, registering five assists, and remains one of the standout performers in the current Apertura.
That form has already drawn attention from elsewhere in South America. Brazilian clubs such as Red Bull Bragantino and Corinthians followed him closely during the last window. However, just like the current situation with Chelsea, no formal bids were made.
Unión reacted to that interest by securing his future. The club extended his contract until December 2028, reinforcing both their sporting position and their negotiating leverage.
Youngster still central to Unión plans
Mateo Del Blanco remains a key figure in Santa Fé. He is a guaranteed starter under manager Leonardo Madelón and one of the most influential players in the squad.
A sale would represent a significant sporting loss, even if it could become one of the club’s most important financial operations in recent years.
That balance helps explain the current stance. The club is aware of the growing attention, but is not yet dealing with a concrete situation.
Next steps for BlueCo
The new report means this now becomes a situation to monitor rather than one nearing completion.
Pantich’s claims suggest internal planning and intent. Meanwhile, Olé’s reporting reflects the reality on the ground in Argentina, where no formal steps have been taken.
That gap is common in early-stage transfers, especially in South America. Interest can exist for months before evolving into negotiations.
For now, Mateo Del Blanco sits between those two versions. A player clearly on Chelsea’s radar, but still waiting for that interest to turn into something tangible.
🇵🇹 EXCLUSIVE: Maxi Araújo
⏩ Tottenham and Chelsea in contact
➡️ Source informs @UllalIBT
➡️ Further Premier League interest also presenthttps://t.co/K17lRpjlUG #thfc #cfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 22, 2026