Chelsea agree £14.2 million deal to sign highly rated defender: Reports

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a transfer worth £14.2 million to sign Boca Juniors star Aaron Anselmino, continuing their trend of adding young talents to their squad.

Anselmino, 19, has cemented himself as one of the top South American defensive prospects since making his senior debut in June 2023. He has started six of his 10 appearances for his boyhood club so far.

A right-footed centre-back blessed with heading and tackling, Anselmino is thought to have attracted interest from Premier League sides like Chelsea and Manchester United of late. His ability to operate in defensive midfield is also one of the reasons behind his demand.

Now, according to journalist Uriel Iugt, Chelsea have finalised a £14.2 million move for the young Argentine. They are set to secure the player's signature on a six-year deal in the first week of July and then send him on loan to his boyhood team Boca Juniors for one year.

So far, Anselmino has scored one goal in 10 games for Boca Juniors.

New signing reveals ambitions at Chelsea

On Saturday (June 29), Chelsea announced Omari Kellyman's signing in a switch worth up to £19 million from domestic rivals Aston Villa.

Speaking to club media, the 18-year-old versatile forward revealed why he decided to secure a move to the Stamford Bridge outfit. He opined:

"I have seen young players stepping into the team and playing week in, week out, in the Premier League and I feel like I will be able to take my opportunity as and when it comes. I want to be successful in the Chelsea shirt; to win games and hopefully trophies. [Over time] hopefully, I can become one of the faces on the side of the stadium. I want to become a big player for this club."

Suggesting that he has a lot of belief in himself, Kellyman continued:

"I think one of my key characteristics is my confidence. The more confident I feel, the more successful I have been. Whether that be coming into new environments and meeting new people or on a football pitch – showing people what I can do and what I am about – I think my confidence has helped me be more successful."

Kellyman, 18, spent time at Derby County's academy between 2012 and 2022. He joined Aston Villa in March 2022 and after impressing in various age-group games, he made six senior appearances for Villa.