Arsenal ready Tomás Aranda offer as Parma pull out

Arsenal are reportedly ready to make an offer for Boca Juniors talent Tomás Aranda, with Parma now accepting they cannot compete with the Gunners for his signature.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most closely watched young players in Argentina after breaking into Boca's first team earlier in 2026. According to Parma Live, Arsenal have been impressed by his performances and are prepared to offer more than €20 million to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

Parma and Como have also considered moves for Aranda, but the Serie A side are now reportedly looking elsewhere because of Arsenal's financial strength and status. That development could leave Mikel Arteta's side in a stronger position if they decide to formalise their interest.

Arsenal have been monitoring Aranda rather than rushing into negotiations, but the latest reports suggest their interest could soon develop into a concrete move.

The teenager came through Boca Juniors' academy before establishing himself in the senior squad this year. He has made 21 appearances, scoring once and providing two assists, while showing the versatility to play both as an attacking midfielder and from the left wing.

His rapid development also earned him senior international recognition. Aranda made his Argentina debut in a friendly victory over Honduras in June, although he was not selected by Lionel Scaloni for the World Cup squad.

According to the latest claims from Italy, Arsenal scouts have continued to follow his progress and have been convinced by what they have seen. The Gunners are now said to be willing to submit an offer exceeding €20 million.

The reported value of Arsenal's potential bid creates an obvious question because Aranda is said to have a release clause below €20 million.

Reports in Argentina have placed the clause at around $20 million, approximately €17.5 million, while the player remains under contract with Boca Juniors until December 2029.

An offer above the release clause could still make sense if Arsenal want to negotiate a different payment structure. Paying a higher overall fee in instalments could be preferable to activating a clause that may require more immediate payment.

It could also allow Arsenal to secure favourable terms and move ahead of other interested clubs before the competition for Aranda develops further.

However, the reported €20 million-plus figure has not been confirmed by Arsenal or Boca Juniors. It is also possible that the original report has confused euros with dollars, so the precise value of any future proposal should be treated with caution.

Parma's reported decision to move on is one of the most significant elements of the latest update.

The Italian club have been interested in Aranda, while Como have also considered the Argentine youngster. Parma, however, reportedly believe it would be extremely difficult to compete once Arsenal make a serious move.

For the Gunners, that removes one potential rival but does not guarantee a transfer. A teenager who has already made his senior Argentina debut is likely to remain attractive to clubs across Europe, particularly if his performances for Boca continue to improve.

Arsenal's advantage is their ability to offer both a significant transfer package and a pathway at a club competing at the highest level. The challenge would be deciding how quickly Aranda could adapt to English football and where he would fit into Arteta's attacking options.

The next development will be whether Arsenal turn their reported intention into a formal offer to Boca Juniors.

Parma are said to be withdrawing from the race, while Arsenal's monitoring has now reportedly progressed to the point where a bid is being prepared. The structure and currency of that proposal will be important, particularly given the conflicting figures surrounding Aranda's release clause.

Until an official offer arrives, Boca remain in control of the situation. Arsenal, though, appear to be moving into a stronger position for one of Argentina's emerging attacking talents.

Should Arsenal move quickly for Aranda before more European clubs enter the race?