- 21 hours ago
Chelsea in argument over £20m Argentine wonderkid transfer
Chelsea are reportedly in disagreement with Boca Juniors over the transfer of Aaron Anselmino.
The Argentine wonderkid has a reasonable £20 million clause and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
However, the two clubs are at odds over the date on which the deal will go through.
READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours
Chelsea want the central defender to join up with the first-team squad this summer but Boca Juniors are hoping to keep him until 2025, reports Diario Ole.
The Blues have already signed two South American youngsters, Estevao and Kendry Paez, who will make the move to West London next year.
The difference is that those players are only 17 and they must wait until they turn 18 to move, whereas Anselmino is already 19.
Chelsea's centre-back conundrum
Chelsea now have an excess of central defenders after completing the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham.
Even though Thiago Silva has left the club, the return of Wesley Fofana from injury and the emergence of Alfie Gilchrist means that there are too many options for Enzo Maresca to manage.
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It would be wise for the Blues to send Gilchrist on loan, while Axel Disasi probably isn't good enough to warrant a place in the squad.
Academy product Trevoh Chalobah does deserve to remain at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future but he is expected to be sold to raise funds.
Even with the departures of the aforementioned trio, Chelsea would still have plenty of depth in that position.
So, Anselmino should only be signed if the club are adamant that he will develop into a top player. Otherwise, they are wasting their time - and £20m.