Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'to rival Manchester United for Argentine teenager'

By Devesh Jaganath | 25 May 2024

Chelsea 'to rival Man Utd for Argentine teenager'

Manchester United are reportedly expecting to face stiff competition from Chelsea in their pursuit of signing Argentine Aaron Anselmino in the upcoming transfer window.

Manchester United are reportedly set to face stiff competition from Chelsea in their pursuit of signing the promising Argentine talent Aaron Anselmino in the upcoming transfer window.

The 19-year-old Boca Juniors prospect is believed to be viewed as an ideal successor to the departing Raphael Varane, who will leave Old Trafford after a four-year tenure following the FA Cup final.

Jonny Evans' contract renewal with United remains unresolved, intensifying speculation of a summer departure for the 36-year-old defender, while Harry Maguire's future at the club is still far from certain.

Additionally, Lisandro Martinez spent the majority of the season on the sidelines due to injury, which has heightened the apparent need for more depth in the centre-back position even further.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez on August 19, 2023 © Reuters

Man Utd 'willing to do anything' to sign Anselmino in the summer

According to Argentine outlet Planeta BJ, Man United have been tracking Anselmino since January but are set to do battle with Chelsea, who have joined the race for the teenager's signature.

Chelsea are no strangers to bringing in South American talent, having signed the likes of Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Ecuador international Moises Caicedo last summer.

The report adds that Anselmino has a £21m release clause in his contract and suggests that United are 'willing to do anything' to sign the teenager from Boca Juniors.

Anselmino is currently out of action due to an injury and has been for the last month, but that has not halted interest in him, with AC Milan believed to also be keeping tabs on the youngster.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023 © Reuters

Anselmino considered one of South America's brightest talents

The 19-year-old centre-back has established himself as one of the best young defensive prospects in his homeland in the last 12 months after moving to the Blue and Gold from Juventud Unida.

He has spent a large chunk of the season on the bench for the Liga Profesional outfit, but he did score the side's only goal in their 1-0 win over Trinidense in the Copa Sudamericana last month.

Man Utd have been linked with moves for several defenders in recent weeks, including Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, who is believed to be Sir Jim Ratcliffe's top centre-back target.

The Toffees value Branthwaite at around £80m, and while they would prefer keeping him for the next season, the club may be forced into a sale for the right price owing to their financial issues.