Chelsea sign Boca Juniors defender Anselmino

Former Premier League champions Chelsea have completed the signing of Boca Juniors and Argentina defender Aaron Anselmino in a £15.6m deal.

The 19-year-old centre-back has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge but will remain on loan at the Argentine club for the 2024-25 season as part of the agreement with the selling club.

Anselmino made his Boca debut in June 2023 and has made 10 appearances.

He had signed a contract extension in January 2024 that tied him to the club until 2028 but both parties have been able to agree to the revised deal.

Chelsea, who will compete in the UEFA Conference League this season, have made significant investments so far this season, having spent about £115m on midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Omari Kellyman, plus goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Caleb Wiley, winger Estevao Willian and striker Marc Guiu.

About £90m has been recouped through the sales of Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson while Conor Gallagher is expected to join Atletico Madrid for £33m.

The Blues are in the market for a striker and are keen on Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion whom some UK and Spanish news sources hint could move to the London club in a seven-year contract.

The Nigerian-born Spain youth international is currently with the Spain team set to play in the final of the men's football tournament of the 2024 Olympics on Friday evening.

Chelsea will begin their 2024-25 Premier League campaign against champions Manchester City on 18 August.