Talleres v Boca Juniors - Torneo Apertura 2026
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Chelsea are expected to be active in the January window after failing to replace Enzo Fernandez in the summer. Now, the Blues have received a huge boost in an £18.75m battle with Arsenal.
Focus seems to be on the signing of a new midfielder. Reports this week suggest Chelsea have compiled a four-man shortlist, comprising of Alex Scott, Harrison Armstrong, Lewis Miley and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
But Chelsea have other gaps in their squad. Maxence Lacroix’s injury has highlighted the need for more central defenders, even if Mamadou Sarr and Honest Ahanor are out on loan. Cover is needed at no.10.
READ MORE: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a massive fan of Chelsea’s newest midfield target
Chelsea receive unexpected Tomas Aranda boost
Chelsea have Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer as options in the no.10 role, but if Xabi Alonso continues to use a 3-4-2-1 system, Chelsea lack cover for the duo in attacking midfield. Tomas Aranda is an option.
One-time Argentina international Aranda has been linked with Chelsea for a while. Recent reports state that Chelsea, Arsenal and Napoli are keeping tabs, with a Boca Juniors release clause active in January.
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
Shuffle Estevao and Neto equally Lacroix besides Colwill at the center Shuffle Acheampong with James and Lacroix Henderson shuffles with Lavia Barco shuffles with Caicedo
I don't think anyone would question the midfield or forwards based on what we have seen so far this season, but if Estevao does not deliver or track back then Neto gets in. Defence is the main issue and Josh has to play IMO. My doubt is Reece because of his ftness
James might be the best right-back in the world when fit. And he’s our captain. He has to start IMO
A fee of £18.75m would be required, only for Aranda to break his fibula in Boca training back in August. It was expected Aranda would be out until 2027, probably delaying a potential move away from Boca.
But Argentine outlet TyC Sports say Aranda is already back in full training, little over two months after breaking his leg. There is a chance that Aranda could even play on Saturday against Defensa y Justicia.
Why Chelsea are interested in signing Tomas Aranda
Lionel Scaloni has already heaped praise on Aranda, having handed him an Argentina cap. His stats, though, aren’t particularly great – having a hand in just four goals in 32 appearances for Boca Juniors.
But delve a little deeper, and it is Aranda’s ability to dribble that has really caught the eye. He averages 3.51 progressive carries per 90, placing him in the 98th percentile among similar midfielders in Argentina.
That suggests he is particularly effective at moving possession into dangerous areas rather than keeping the ball circulating. He’s also ranked in the 99th percentile for ball recoveries, averaging 8.54 per 90.
Aranda’s ability with the ball, and his determination to win it back high up the pitch makes him an exciting asset that Chelsea would love to have acting as cover for the likes of Palmer and Rogers.