Chelsea have made a £17.2 million bid for Boca Juniors centre-back Aaron Anselmino, according to reports in Argentina. The 19-year-old has been identified as a promising talent despite a limited senior career hampered by injury.
Anselmino, who came through Boca's academy, made his first-team debut a year ago but has only appeared 10 times for the club due to recurring hamstring problems. His most recent setback occurred last week when he left the pitch in tears after aggravating the injury in a 1-0 win over Velez.
Despite his fitness concerns, Chelsea have offered $18 million (£14.1 million) plus $4 million (£3.1 million) in add-ons. Claro Sports reports that Boca are expected to accept the bid, with Anselmino keen on the move to Stamford Bridge.
Boca president and Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme has backed Anselmino to become a 'great' defender for the national team. 'With the growth, the head that he has and the desire to learn that he shows, he is on his way to being a great footballer,' Riquelme said earlier this year.
Boca head coach Diego Martinez expressed sympathy for the young defender after his latest injury. 'Aaron's thing is a shame. I don't know the degree of his injury. He was very sad. I hope the injury is as light as possible,' Martinez said.
