Chelsea haven’t been put off by Tomás Aranda’s serious injury and are reportedly considering a move for the Boca Juniors youngster at the start of 2027.
That’s the latest coming from Argentina, where El Crack Deportivo say Chelsea are thinking about offering no more than €12.8m (£11.1m) for the attacking midfielder.
It’s a notable update given what happened to Aranda only a couple of weeks ago. The youngster fractured his right fibula in training, required surgery and won’t play again this year.
That appeared likely to push any potential transfer into 2027. Chelsea, it seems, may already be planning exactly that.
Chelsea still keen despite injury
El Crack Deportivo say Chelsea continue to follow Aranda closely and have an offer in mind for the beginning of next year.
The figure mentioned is up to €12.8m (£11.1m). El Intransigente also reports the same amount, although neither outlet says a formal proposal has arrived yet.
For now, this is Chelsea considering their next move. Aranda has already started his rehabilitation following surgery on his fractured fibula. The recovery will take several months and Boca don’t expect their number 10 back on the pitch before 2027.
Before the injury, he had become one of manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s most important players. Aranda has now made 32 senior appearances for Boca, with one goal and three assists.
Chelsea were already following him before the setback. The fact they’re still being credited with plans for a January move suggests the injury hasn’t killed their interest.
Boca aren’t keen on the idea
There’s another interesting part to the latest claim. Previous reports in Argentina have repeatedly put Aranda’s release clause at around €17m (£14.7m). Chelsea’s proposed ceiling would therefore come in €4.2m (£3.6m) below that figure.
Boca president Juan Román Riquelme doesn’t want to lose the youngster anyway. El Crack Deportivo say both Riquelme and Arruabarrena see Aranda as an important player, and Boca want him back in their team once his rehabilitation is complete.
His contract runs until December 2029, so they can afford to take that position if Chelsea try to negotiate below the clause.
There are still other clubs hanging around. El Crack Deportivo name Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Como and Fiorentina among those following Aranda.
For Chelsea, though, the interesting bit is the timing. Aranda won’t play again in 2026, but that apparently hasn’t ended their pursuit.
If the Argentine reports are right, they’re already looking beyond his recovery and towards a possible €12.8m (£11.1m) attempt at the start of 2027.
