Arsenal watch Tomás Aranda as Boca set €17m price

Arsenal are closely monitoring Boca Juniors midfielder Tomás Aranda after the 20-year-old emerged as one of Argentina’s latest breakthrough talents.

According to El Intransigente, the Gunners have been following Aranda’s progress during the first half of 2026 but have not made a formal approach. Arsenal currently want to continue assessing his development before deciding whether to move.

Boca have already protected themselves by inserting a €17 million (£15m) release clause into his contract, with Juan Román Riquelme’s board reportedly unwilling to negotiate below that figure.

Aranda only made his senior debut on 28 January 2026 but has quickly established himself in Boca’s first-team squad.

The midfielder has made 21 competitive appearances across the Argentine Apertura and Copa Argentina, scoring once and providing two assists. His raw numbers remain modest, but his growing influence has attracted attention from Europe.

Parma and Como have also been linked, while Manchester City were credited with interest earlier this year. Several European scouts have reportedly attended Boca matches specifically to watch Aranda.

Arsenal, however, are in no rush. With fewer than 25 senior appearances behind him, the Gunners appear content to gather information rather than enter immediate negotiations.

Boca manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena reportedly believes Aranda’s long-term future lies in central midfield rather than on the wing, where his ability to receive possession facing goal and dictate play can be used more effectively.

His reputation has also grown beyond club football. Aranda spent time around the Argentina setup before the 2026 World Cup and revealed that Lionel Messi contacted him following one of his performances.

For Arsenal, this remains a scouting operation rather than an active transfer pursuit. The €17m clause gives Boca a strong position, but another productive spell during the second half of 2026 could bring more clubs into the race.

Arsenal are expected to keep watching Aranda before deciding whether to make a formal move. Boca have little reason to sell below his €17m clause, while the midfielder still has limited senior experience.

If his development continues during the second half of the year, Arsenal may need to decide whether to act before competition for his signature increases.

Should Arsenal move early for Tomás Aranda, or wait for the Boca youngster to gain more experience?