Chelsea confirmed this week that they’ve recalled Aaron Anselmino in the January transfer window.
Aaron Anselmino, who’s just aged 19, joined Chelsea last summer before returning to Boca Juniors to develop on loan this season.
The Argentine defender has been playing in his native league with Boca Juniors, but the Blues have cut short his loan spell in the New Year by bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Fernandez personally messaged Anselmino when he signed for Chelsea. We suspect the midfielder will now play a key role in helping the teenage centre-back and fellow countryman adapt to his new surroundings in West London.
Enzo Maresca gives update on Aaron Anselmino after Chelsea recall
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed in Friday’s press conference that the plan is to keep Anselmino at the club.
The 19-year-old central defender will be given time to adjust to the club, but there’s a belief that he is good enough to contribute.
When discussing Chelsea youngster Anselmino, Maresca said via Football.London: “He’s another talent, another good player, now the most important thing is that he arrives here and he adapts himself, he starts to find a house, settling in the right way.
“Then we need to give him time, because when you come from the other part of the world, you need to adapt, you need to see a new world, a new culture, but for sure we are going to try to help him to adapt as soon as possible.
“No, at the moment the plan is to keep him here, to allow him to work with us and then to take a decision.
“No, if he’s here it’s because we think he’s a good player and he can help us. But for sure he’s very young and he’s coming from Argentina, completely different culture, different football, different level. So he needs time for that.”
Anselmino was ecstatic when Chelsea signed him, and while it looked like it may be a while before he actually played for them, he’ll now get the chance to try to prove he’s ready.
Aaron Anselmino needs to seize giant Chelsea chance
As it stands, Chelsea do look a bit vulnerable in the centre-half position. That’s why it’s vital that Anselmino starts well on the training pitches and convinces everyone he’s ready for the first-team squad straight away.
Maresca explained on Friday that Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana may miss the rest of the season with his hamstring injury. On top of that, Benoit Badiashile is still out with his own injury problem.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are holding things down as the best defensive partnership, but they could really do with some more help.
There’s a great case for the Blues going out and splashing the cash on a new centre-back in January, but could Anselmino be an under the radar option to consider?
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