Chelsea plot €12.8m Tomás Aranda move despite serious injury

Chelsea reportedly remain interested in Boca Juniors youngster Tomás Aranda despite the attacking midfielder suffering a serious leg injury that has ruled him out for the remainder of 2026.

Reports in Argentina claim the Blues are considering making their move at the beginning of 2027 and could offer up to €12.8million (£11.1m).

That would fall below Aranda's reported €17m release clause, while Boca president Juan Román Riquelme is reluctant to sanction the youngster's departure.

Aranda recently fractured his right fibula during training and required surgery.

The injury means Boca do not expect the 20-year-old to play again this year, with the midfielder now beginning a rehabilitation process that will last several months.

Chelsea had been tracking Aranda before the setback and, according to reports from Argentina, his injury has not changed their long-term assessment.

The Premier League club are now said to be considering an approach when the transfer market reopens in early 2027.

No formal Chelsea bid has been submitted, but a potential offer worth a maximum of €12.8m is being discussed.

Convincing Boca to accept that figure could prove difficult.

Aranda is under contract until December 2029 and reportedly has a release clause worth around €17m, leaving the Argentine club in a strong negotiating position.

Riquelme and manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena also consider the attacking midfielder an important part of Boca's plans and want to see him return to their team after completing his rehabilitation.

Aranda had established himself as a regular before suffering the injury, making 32 senior appearances with one goal and three assists.

Chelsea would therefore seemingly have to persuade Boca to negotiate significantly below the player's release clause.

Chelsea are not alone in monitoring the Argentine prospect.

Aston Villa have also previously been credited with interest, while Inter Milan, Como and Fiorentina are reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.

The injury inevitably delays any immediate transfer, but Chelsea's continued presence suggests they are prepared to assess Aranda with a longer-term perspective rather than abandoning their pursuit because of his current absence.

A potential battle for his signature could therefore develop once his recovery progresses in early 2027.

Aranda's immediate priority is completing his rehabilitation, with Boca not expecting him back before 2027.

Chelsea can use that period to continue monitoring his recovery before deciding whether to formalise their interest. However, an offer around €12.8m could require significant negotiations given Boca's reluctance to sell and Aranda's higher release clause.