Manchester United are reportedly expected to make a rival bid to Chelsea for a South American wonderkid.
Chelsea are reportedly expected to have fierce competition in the race for Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino.
The Blues have made a sustained effort to add a number of South American wonderkids to their ranks ever since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over from Roman Abramovich.
As well as Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington already being at the club, Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian will join in 2025.
However, rather than switching to focus to acquiring the services of more experienced talent, speculation persists that Chelsea are continuing to prioritise talent from that part of the world.
Anselmino has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge for a number of days with Chelsea currently viewed as the clear frontrunners.
© Reuters
Boca Juniors expecting Man United bid
Nevertheless, according to TyC Sports, Man United are readying a bid for the centre-back at some point in the near future.
Boca Juniors are said to be of the opinion that there is ‘a concrete chance’ of the Red Devils making a formal approach for the 19-year-old.
As it stands, it is allegedly felt that Chelsea’s offer is ‘irresistible’, with the West Londoners said to be ready to pay $18m (£14.19m).
There is no word on what United are prepared to pay for Anselmino, although it has recently been claimed that they are having to work with a restricted transfer budget.
© Reuters
What are the scenarios in front of Anselmino?
Although United are known to be in the market for at least one new centre-back, it is expected that they would prefer someone far more experienced than Anselmino.
He has just 597 minutes of senior football to his name across 10 appearances, including just three outings in the Argentine top flight.
If Chelsea were to complete a deal, there is every chance that the player would spend next season on loan at fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg.
The report adds that Boca Juniors are extremely open to cashing in on Anselmino if they were to receive an inflated fee, yet it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he could stay put given that a contract is in place until 2028.