Dortmund to open talks with Chelsea over Aaron Anselmino after breakthrough form

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has confirmed the club intend to open formal talks with Chelsea about making Aaron Anselmino’s loan spell permanent, following the Argentine’s impressive rise in recent weeks. The 20-year-old centre-back, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Boca Juniors in 2024, scored his first Bundesliga goal last weekend and has quickly become a standout performer in Nico Kovac’s defence.

Anselmino’s Chelsea career began with a Club World Cup debut before he was sent on loan to Bundesliga side Dortmund — a move initially complicated by a muscular injury. But since returning to fitness, the defender has slotted seamlessly into the Black and Yellow back line, displaying maturity, aggression and composure well beyond his years.

Speaking after Dortmund’s 2–1 win over Bayer Leverkusen, Kehl revealed his intention to call Chelsea directly.

“I will have to pick up the phone in the next few days,” he said. “We hope that Aarón will stay on, of course. We have a very good connection with Chelsea.”

The two clubs already conducted significant business in the summer, with Carney Chukwuemeka leaving Chelsea for Dortmund — a relationship that may smooth the path for negotiations over the Argentine.

Dortmund head coach Nico Kovac was equally enthusiastic in his assessment of Anselmino’s qualities, highlighting the defender’s fearless competitive edge and uncompromising style.

“He fights with crusader spirit,” Kovac said. “When things get tight, there’s no nonsense with him. He breaks through. And that’s something you need at this level. You need defenders who love defending. The boy does that excellently.”

It is high praise from a coach known for valuing discipline and organisation. Dortmund, who struggled for defensive stability earlier in the season, now see Anselmino as a cornerstone of their rebuild.

Anselmino was sent back to Boca Juniors on loan after he signed for Chelsea. Chelsea’s decision to recall Anselmino in January earlier this year, following injuries to Reece James, Benoît Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, showed how highly they valued his potential. Though he suffered an injury of his own shortly after returning, head coach Enzo Maresca made his admiration clear.

“He’s another talent, another good player,” Maresca said. “Now the most important thing is that he adapts, finds a house, settles in the right way. And he needs time — he’s coming from Argentina, a completely different culture and level.”

Chelsea’s development model for South American defenders often involves staged European exposure, and Dortmund’s environment appears ideal for a player who thrives under pressure and tactical structure.

Having followed Dortmund’s recent defensive cycles, this pursuit is not simply about short-term form. Dortmund have lacked stability at the back since selling key leaders in past seasons. Anselmino represents both a solution and an investment — a defender whose ceiling could elevate the entire unit.

Although some Chelsea supporters might view this interest as premature, it’s worth questioning whether Stamford Bridge is the ideal environment for his development right now. With heavy competition for centre-back spots and constant tactical evolution, Anselmino’s minutes would be less predictable. Dortmund, by contrast, offer guaranteed growth, continuity and a clear pathway to becoming a Bundesliga mainstay.

From my experience analysing South American defenders transitioning into Europe, the second-year jump is always the defining one. Anselmino is showing signs of hitting that trajectory early — the aggression, timing and composure Chelsea admired are now sharpened by regular top-flight football.

Dortmund expect discussions to begin before the winter break. Chelsea will evaluate the proposal within their wider defensive plan, making January and June pivotal for Anselmino’s future.

👉 Should Chelsea keep Anselmino for their long-term rebuild, or cash in while his value rises at Dortmund?