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A senior Tottenham official has been sent to run the rule over a club's star mainstay defender recently, with technical director Johan Lange's preparations for the window well and truly underway.

Spurs eyeing new centre-back signing for Ange

Despite bringing in Radu Dragusin from Genoa in January for around £25 million, reports over the last few weeks have claimed that Ange Postecoglou and co are eager to bolster their back line further.

Tottenham could move for £43m star in "one of the biggest transfer stories"

Spurs threaten to derail Arsenal and Chelsea’s plans.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 11, 2024

Spurs are among the suitors for Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, for instance, with the Englishman's contract expiring this summer. He may soon be a readily available free agent, and his top-flight experience makes him a very good option for the north Londoners.

A more ambitious open who's also been floated is Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite, coming amid his impressive season at Goodison Park as he puts himself in the conversation for a call-up to England's Euro 2024 squad.

There have been suggestions that Spurs wish to sign two "top-level" centre-backs in 2024, and with Dragusin sealed, they're set to go for another in the summer.

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"The situation hasn't changed, and Tottenham have always intended to sign two top-level centre-backs across 2024," said journalist Dean Jones to GiveMeSport recently, who listed other potential targets.

"They’ve got one through the door, and now, in the summer window, the plan is to go after another. Calafiori and Morato might be mentioned now, but the net is being cast wider than that. They’ve got some interesting options opening up to them. Still, from what I understand, they’re not committing at this stage, even though they want to make early moves in the summer transfer window similar to how they did in the winter market.”

In these last two windows, the Lilywhites have shown a trend of buying young stars for their backline, with both Dragusin and Micky van de Ven under the age of 23. This indicates they're also considering the long-term and another defensive target with many years left ahead of him is Hull City centre-back Jacob Greaves.

Senior Tottenham official sent to Hull as Lange eyes Greaves

According to a report in The Mirror's print edition [10/03/2024], via TBR, Spurs sent a "senior" scout to run the rule over Greaves earlier this month as Postecoglou's side seemingly take an interest in the Englishman.

Tipped to be a "special" player by Grant McCann, Greaves has started 36 Championship matches as a mainstay for the Tigers, even bagging two goals and four assists in that time.

"The kid is going to be special, it’s as simple as that," said former Hull boss McCann, who exposed him to first-team football early doors.

"We don’t want him to have a dead year and when I say a dead year I think he’s beyond Under 23s football. We’re working hard trying to do that at the minute so we can get him exposed to men’s football."

Matthew Cross produced his second half-century of the tournament and blunted Oman’s left-arm-swing threat of Bilal Khan

The Report by Peter Della Penna in Dubai31-Oct-2019Matthew Cross produced his second half-century of the tournament and blunted Oman’s left-arm-swing threat of Bilal Khan to put Scotland on top in their fifth-place playoff at the men’s T20 World Cup qualifiers. The Scotland wicketkeeper-batsman’s unbeaten 61 took his side across the line with an over to spare chasing 167 in a five-wicket win. Cross entered at the end of the first over after Bilal had claimed captain Kyle Coetzer for a duck driving to point, but was rarely flustered, striking eight boundaries in his knock with half of them coming against Bilal.On the traditionally high-scoring Dubai ground, Oman’s target looked slim once Cross got going. After George Munsey pulled and drove Fayyaz Butt for a pair of boundaries in the second over, Cross finally faced his first delivery in third against Bilal and was off the mark immediately, cutting him behind point for four, and continued to time the ball sweetly throughout his innings.Munsey fell to his favorite shot, defeated by a change of pace from Aqib Ilyas’ offspin to miss a reverse-sweep, to be dismissed for 17 in the fourth over. Calum MacLeod fell to the orthodox sweep, going too far across his stumps and winding up being bowled behind his legs by Khawar Ali in the eighth to make it 46 for 3. But even though the asking rate was creeping towards ten an over, Cross never lost his cool.After Richie Berrington fell for 14 in the 11th over to make it 77 for 4, Cross teamed with Michael Leask for a 61-run stand that kept the required rate well in check. Leask was the aggressor, firing a pair of sixes off the spin tandem of Khawar and Jay Odedra. With five overs left, Scotland needed a very manageable 43. Leask fell driving Bilal to long-off in the 17th leaving Cross and Tom Sole to get 30 off 21 balls.Cross brought up his half-century off 40 balls to start the 18th pulling Fayyaz fine behind square. Sole then reverse-scooped Bilal over third man off the third ball of the 19th to bring the equation down to a run a ball. After a single put Cross on strike, he flat-batted Bilal over mid-on, and then sliced a yorker over backward point for consecutive fours to end the game.Earlier, Alasdair Evans led the way with the ball to help restrict Oman to a chaseable total with his three wickets after Oman chose to bat. Evans struck in the third for the first wicket, getting Jatinder Singh to push at a good length ball for an edge behind. After Khawar’s brisk knock was ended miscuing a reverse sweep off MacLeod to backward point, Evans struck again in the 11th as Zeeshan Maqsood checked a flick and produced a leading edge high over the pitch for Evans to claim. He came back for one more at the death as Suraj Kumar slapped a length ball to mid-off. It came one ball after he ran out Mehran Khan trying to steal an extra run off a bouncer that was called a wide.Scotland are now home for a month before returning to the UAE in December to play a Cricket World Cup League Two ODI tri-series against UAE and USA. Oman host their first League Two tri-series in January against Namibia and UAE.

Lionel Messi is being tipped to miss Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup title defence with an ankle injury, as Inter Miami are told “you can’t risk this dude”.

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All-time great suffered knock in major finalNo timescale being put on recoveryExpected to sit out bid to defend one trophyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine superstar picked up an unfortunate knock while on international duty at the 2024 Copa America. He was forced out of the final at that tournament in tears, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner rolling his ankle on the turf at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi was strapped with ice on the bench, but serious swelling was spotted around his right foot. He went on to lift the Copa trophy – with his record-breaking haul of major honours taken to 45 – but another enforced spell on the sidelines will now be taken in.

WHAT MLS EXPERT SAID

Inter Miami have put no timescale on his recovery when delivering a fitness update, but MLS expert Andrew Wiebe has told of Messi potentially sitting out the upcoming All-Star Game and Leagues Cup: “I know a little something about grade three ankle sprains over the years. I’m not diagnosing it, but with that level of swelling, he’s not going to be back in the next couple weeks you would think. It feels like Leagues Cup and a chase of that title defence is likely to come without Messi. If you’re Miami, you can’t risk this dude.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Messi inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory within weeks of his arrival in Florida during the summer of 2023. He has generated MVP talk this season, but no gambles will be taken on his long-term fitness as the Herons look to make history in 2024 by savouring MLS Cup glory for the first time.

Arsenal will fly to the United States for their pre-season commitments but without a host of stars including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and others.

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Mikel Arteta announces 26-man Arsenal squad for USA tripMartin Odegaard will lead the sideSeveral superstars excluded from the squadWHAT HAPPENED?

As the new football season approaches, the Gunners are all set to fly across the Atlantic to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead by playing a set of friendlies in the United States. Mikel Arteta will take with him a 26-man squad, led by Martin Odegaard, which comprises seasoned professionals with emerging young talents.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE EXPLANATION

The squad will miss several stars who were engaged in either the European Championship or the Copa America. Players such as Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya, and William Saliba are currently on a break from football and will rejoin the team in London, only after their return from the USA. However, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz will fly out late and join the tour on July 25, following their respective Copa America and Euro 2024 commitments.

DID YOU KNOW?

Injuries have also played a part in the squad selection. Kieran Tierney, recovering from a hamstring issue, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, dealing with a knee problem, will remain in London to continue their rehabilitation at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. Nonetheless, key players like Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber along with Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko are part of the team.

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ARSENAL PRE-SEASON SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Karl Hein, Tommy Setford, Lucas Nygaard, Alexei Rojas

Defenders: Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, Josh Nichols, Jakub Kiwior, Ayden Heaven, Omar Rekik

Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Michal Rosiak, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Ethan Nwaneri, Salah–Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Jimi Gower

Forwards: Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, Charles Sagoe Jr, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah

Seamer admits he needs to come through South Africa A game if he has a chance of playing Boxing Day Test

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Dec-2019James Anderson says he will have to come through England’s three-day warm-up match against South Africa A on Friday if he has any chance of being fit for the first Test at Centurion on Boxing Day.Anderson, who pulled up with a calf injury four overs into what proved to be his only spell of last summer’s Ashes series, played his first competitive game since a Lancashire Second XI fixture at the end of August earlier this week, taking 1 for 37 in his 11 overs against a Cricket South Africa invitational side at Benoni.ALSO READ: 2021-22 Ashes on Anderson’s radar after technical tweaks during recoveryAnd he admitted that he felt short of match practice, and was some way short of his top speed during his return to action.”It feels like a long time since I played a competitive game,” Anderson said, “so to get back out in the middle and get some overs under my belt is very pleasing. There was a bit of rust there this morning, but that’s to be expected not having played for four or five months.”A six and a five[-over spell] was pretty good, with an eye on potentially playing at the end of the week and getting more overs in then. It was a good start: I felt better second spell, bowled a bit better, and felt like things were coming together. At the same time, I know I’m not up to max speed yet, so that’s something I’ve got to try and get better at by the end of the week.”England were short of three frontline bowlers in Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach, all of whom went down ill on Wednesday, and as a result, Anderson is expected to get a good opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the first Test.The match was to have been Anderson’s first first-class game since his injury at Edgbaston this summer, against a strong South Africa A team which features Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks and Theunis de Bruyn. However, the match has been downgraded to a friendly to allow the ill players a chance to recover and still take part.”We’ve got a few men down with illness and that, so it might not be such a difficult team to pick,” Anderson said, “but I’d like to be in that. If I’ve got any chance of being in that first Test, I think I need to play that three-day game.”To be honest, I’m just trying to force my way back into the side – that’s all I’m thinking about. I’m just hopeful that I can get my fitness up to speed [and] be bowling well enough that I can get picked for that first Test.Before the game was downgraded, Anderson suggested that its first-class status would help to replicate the “intensity” of an international game. “It’s really good to have that first-class [game] just before a Test series,” he said. “It’s good to create that intensity that you need, there’s a bit more on it… it means that bit more, so it’s good for us to have that intensity ahead of what is going to be an intense four-Test series.”James Anderson was back in an England shirt•Getty ImagesThere have been no targets set by the England set-up regarding how many games Anderson can hope to play in the series, and he suggested that the pace-bowling camp he was part of in Potchefstroom has given him the confidence to “hit the ground running”.”It was just [about] getting some more overs in and really trying to build up my rehab,” Anderson said, “build up my confidence as well, and feel like I can step up the gas, bowl with a bit more confidence and freedom. It was really helpful for me – I feel acclimatised now. I felt like I could come into this game and not feel I had to ease my way in, I could just hit the ground running.”I’ve bowled in the nets and I’ve bowled in the middle as well in the last two weeks out here against a couple of our lads, [but] you just can’t recreate that match intensity. I think I was a little bit off the pace in my first six overs, and it felt a lot better in the second spell. I’m sure that going into the next game, if I do play the next three-day game, then spell after spell, that’ll hopefully just keep getting better and better.”England’s seamers struggled in Anderson’s absence in New Zealand, toiling fruitlessly on their way to a 1-0 series defeat. But Anderson suggested that South African pitches should be provide more assistance for their attack.”New Zealand’s always a hard place to go when there’s not much swing, and the pitches are pretty flat there,” he said. “I think here, you get a bit more – both in the wicket and, with the ball, you get a bit more through the air.”It’s still not a huge amount of swing, or for a long period of time, so it’s about being spot on for that period that it does swing for – you’ve got to be right on the money.”

Ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first summer at the club, Manchester United have reportedly already made contact ahead of what could be one of the biggest deals of the transfer window.

Man United transfer news

Despite the end of the season fast approaching and the transfer window set to swing open, much of the focus regarding Manchester United in the last week or so has been centred around the future of Erik ten Hag.

Reports emerged earlier this week that England boss Gareth Southgate is Ratcliffe's number-one choice to replace the Dutchman at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a manager on United's shortlist, with Ten Hag's job security seemingly lower than ever. He will hope to turn things around, using his side's 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup as a springboard, before he finds himself out of a job.

Sacking Ten Hag would certainly be a sign that Ratcliffe is not wasting any time, that's for sure, and that means that those at Old Trafford are likely to be in for an interesting few months.

Man United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe planning to move for “important player”

The update comes courtesy of journalist Fabrizio Romano.

ByHenry Jackson Mar 10, 2024

Meanwhile, away from Ten Hag's worries, Ratcliffe could instead make a statement in the form of spending big this summer. According to Mirko Di Natale, Manchester United have requested information about Georgiy Sudakov ahead of a potential summer deal with Shakhtar Donetsk.

They're not the only club interested, however, with Premier League rivals Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United also making contact ahead of a deal that could cost over £100m if Sudakov's release clause is triggered.

The Ukraine club aren't shy of asking for big money, of course, having sold Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea for a reported £89m. It's fair to say that whoever lands Sudakov will hope to see the attacking midfielder avoid a similar path to Mudryk though, given that the winger has struggled for form since completing a move to Stamford Bridge.

Man United must negotiate "quick" Sudakov's price

The last thing that Ratcliffe needs is to start his time at Old Trafford with a big-money flop. And given the environment at United, which has seen several expensive players struggle – the latest being Jadon Sancho – the Red Devils must approach with caution when it comes to Sudakov. It is true that this is a player with great potential, but the 21-year-old is not recording numbers worthy of his £100m+ release clause, with just seven goal involvements this season.

If United want to secure a deal, then they'd be better off negotiating outside of Sudakov's release clause to settle on a far better price. Then, without the pressure of a hefty fee, Sudakov is more likely to thrive where others have failed. Football Talent Scout's Jacek Julig would certainly back him to do just that too.

With so many top Premier League sides interested, Sudakov won't be short on options, there's no doubt about that. United and Ratcliffe will just hope that he chooses Old Trafford.

Mikel Arteta revealed that Riccardo Calafiori did not have to be convinced as the defender was "ready" to join Arsenal after the first meeting.

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Arsenal signed Calafiori from BolognaThe defender is already on the US for pre-seasonWas eager to join Gunners despite interest from other clubsWHAT HAPPENED?

The versatile 22-year-old defender has joined Arsenal from Bologna for a fee that could rise to £42 million with add-ons. Calafiori quickly integrated with his new team-mates after the young defender was formally introduced to the squad by Arteta during a team meeting in Philadelphia, where Arsenal are currently on their pre-season tour.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ARTETA SAID

When Arteta was asked what has been the most impressive feature of Calafiori, the manager said: "It was great when I spoke to him one or two times and that was when I didn’t know if we could do it or not. He was adamant – 'Let me know when you are ready, my bags are ready and I just want to come to Arsenal'. Those were his words. When you have that feeling with a willingness and determination to make us better. We should be really proud of that."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite his eagerness, Calafiori will not be thrown into the deep end in a friendly clash against Liverpool and instead might just get a "few minutes" to help him ease into his new role at Arsenal.

When asked about his potential debut, Arteta said: "I don’t know. He had a long flight yesterday and the medical. The last 48 hours have been busy for him. He hasn’t really done anything with the team. Let’s see how he is. If he’s available great, he might play a few minutes. But if he’s not ready, we’re not going to push him."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Calafiori revealed that he had been in discussions with Arteta and Arsenal's sporting director Edu for almost two months before a deal with Bologna was thrashed out.

"I spoke for almost two months with the coach and Edu. The negotiations were tough and took a while, but I was always convinced this was the right move for me," Calafiori said.

"I see Arsenal as the best project for me to develop as a player. There were other clubs but I don't care any more. I am here and I want to win trophies. This is the best project because the team is young and can win trophies. My mentality is to win. I can play in different positions, I don't care where but I just want to play. I was here in January to watch Arsenal versus Crystal Palace. As soon as I am really fit, I hope to help the team."

Celtic still have plenty to play for between now and the end of the 2023/24 campaign as Brendan Rodgers bids to avoid a trophyless return to Parkhead.

The Hoops are one point ahead of their closest rivals in the Scottish Premiership, having played a game more than them, and are still in the SFA Cup, having been knocked out of the League Cup and European competitions during the first half of the season.

This means that they could still lift two pieces of silverware before the end of the term but they will need to fight hard to ensure that they do not end up empty-handed.

Attention, irrespective of how this season goes, will then turn to how the Scottish giants can improve their playing squad during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Rodgers reportedly already has his eye on possible targets to bolster his side ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, and there is one target who could be seen as the next Matt O'Riley at Parkhead.

Celtic's interest in exciting playmaker

The Daily Record recently relayed claims from Russia that Celtic are keeping tabs on exciting Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan ahead of the summer.

It was claimed that the Hoops are monitoring his situation but there is no mention of any current interest from other clubs in Europe at this time.

The Armenia international was quoted as saying that a move to Europe is something he would like to do, and recognised that it would take hard work and "fight" in order to achieve that goal.

Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry has reported that Krasnodar have not had any contact with the Scottish champions as it stands, but have spoken with an unnamed Belgian side.

This suggests that there will be competition from other clubs to secure his signature in the summer, should the Hoops decide to act upon their interest in him.

Last summer, it was reported that Manchester City and Newcastle were among the teams looking at the talented midfielder, who was valued at €13m (£11m) at the time.

Almost one year later and it now remains to be seen how much Krasnodar would want for the 23-year-old wizard, who has just over two years left to run on his contract.

Celtic could land their next version of current star O'Riley by swooping to sign Spertsyan from the Russian outfit at the end of the season, due to his quality in the final third.

Matt O'Riley's Celtic season in numbers

The Denmark international has been in terrific form for the Hoops as an attack-minded midfielder as part of Rodgers' three-man midfield, typically alongside Callum McGregor and Tomoki Iwata of late.

Signed from MK Dons in January 2022, the left-footed wizard has the quality to both score and create goals at an impressive rate in the Premiership.

Appearances

30

3rd

WhoScored rating

7.70

1st

Goals

12

1st

Expected Goals (xG)

11.29

2nd

Assists

11

1st

Key passes per game

2.4

2nd

Shots per game

3.0

1st

As you can see in the table, the 23-year-old magician has been one of the team's outstanding performers at the top end of the pitch with his devastating ability in front of goal.

Only Luis Palma (2.7) has made more key passes per game than O'Riley, and no other Celtic player has scored more goals, taken more shots, or registered more assists than the Danish dynamo.

With his phenomenal form for the club, however, comes interest from elsewhere. Leeds are reportedly considering a bid for the midfield whiz, should they win promotion from the Championship, whilst Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion are also eyeing up the Hoops superstar.

This means that Celtic could end up losing the former Fulham prospect in the upcoming summer transfer window, if one of those aforementioned clubs come in with an acceptable offer for his services, which would leave a huge void in the middle of the park for Rodgers.

The Bhoys could, though, land their next version of O'Riley by swooping in to sign Spertsyan, who was supposedly of interest to Newcastle and Manchester City last year, as a possible replacement for the Leeds target.

Why Eduard Spertsyan could be the next Matt O'Riley

Firstly, Ajax director Sven Mislintat hailed the Armenian ace as "special" last year and claimed that he could have been similar to Kevin de Bruyne with the Dutch club.

The Ajax chief claimed that Spertsyan playing in Russia at the time prevented the move from happening, but that he could have been De Bruyne-esque for the Eredivisie side. Celtic's current interest in his services suggests that the same issue will not be a problem this summer.

You can understand why he was likened to the Belgian superstar when you factor in his fantastic statistics from a central midfield position for Krasnodar.

The 23-year-old playmaker has racked up an eye-catching 18 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances in the Premier Liga for his club since the start of last season.

Appearances

28

Sofascore rating

7.39

Goals

10

Assists

11

Key passes per game

2.2

As you can see in the table above, Spertsyan is a central midfielder who can score and create goals at an exceptional rate, just like O'Riley and De Bruyne – who produced seven goals and 16 assists in the Premier League last term – do in their respective divisions.

The Armenia international chipped in with 21 direct goal contributions, and 2.2 key passes per game, last term, in comparison to O'Riley's aforementioned 23 direct goal contributions, and 2.2 key passes per outing, in 30 league matches this season.

This shows that the 5 foot 10 star, who has 30 goals and 23 assists in 99 games for Krasnodar, has the potential to make a similar impact in the final third from a midfield position.

They are both exciting attack-minded midfielders who want to break forward to join in with the attack, and have the composure and quality to decide games with goals and assists on a regular basis.

Therefore, Rodgers could land his next version of O'Riley by securing a deal for the Armenian magician, who has been likened to De Bruyne.

India’s captain thinks a line needs to be drawn somewhere instead of commercialising Test cricket further

Deivarayan Muthu in Guwahati04-Jan-2020Four-day Test matches could become mandatory as part of the World Test Championship from 2023, but Virat Kohli isn’t in favour of the proposal. The India captain, who has recently been at the forefront of boosting the image of Test cricket in the country, reckoned that tinkering too much with Test cricket will have an adverse effect on the health of the format.”Four-day Tests? Look, I’m not a fan of [it],” Kohli said on the eve of the T20I series opener between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati. “I think the intent will not be right then because then you will speak of three-day Tests, where do you end? Then you speak of Test cricket disappearing. I don’t endorse that at all.”I don’t think that’s fair to the purest format of the game – how cricket started initially and five-day Test matches was the highest of tests you can have at the international level. According to me, it shouldn’t be altered.”In 2018, Kohli had also raised concerns over ECB’s 100-ball competition that is set to kick off later in 2020. Kohli had said that he was “hurt” by the commercial side of cricket assuming top priority over “real quality” of the game.On Saturday, Kohli echoed similar thoughts and suggested that day-night Test cricket is the “most that needs to be changed” in the longest format.”I was asked about the 100-ball [cricket in England], I said I’m not going to try myself in another format because there’s already so much going on and with Test cricket I don’t think we need…Day-night cricket is the most that needs to be changed about Test cricket, according to me. I mean then you’re purely going to be talking about getting the numbers in and entertainment.”India were initially reluctant to play day-night Tests because of the unfamiliarity of the format and challenges of sighting the pink ball. In May 2018, India had rejected Cricket Australia’s proposal to play a day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval. However, the comfort of playing at home, in Kolkata, prompted India into becoming among the last sides in joining pink-ball Test cricket by playing against Bangladesh.India’s first day-night Test last November attracted sell-out crowds, and now there’s a possibility that India might play another day-night Test in Australia, later in 2020.”Day-night [cricket] is another step towards commercialising Test cricket and creating excitement around it, but it can’t be tinkered around too much. I don’t believe so.”The concept of regular four-day Test cricket has divided opinions in the past week. England captain Joe Root had backed it, saying “it’s worth trialing” while the likes of Nathan Lyon and Glenn McGrath, much like Kohli, were against fiddling with the longest format.The ICC is likely to formally consider four-day Test cricket later in 2020 in order to free up calendar that is clogged with too many matches and T20 leagues.

The Blues have moved quickly to secure the Argentine teenager's signature, but what is it that makes him so special?

Aaron Anselmino has only spent one full year in the senior game, and already he's being touted as a potential superstar. Chelsea have bought into that hype, forking out £17 million ($22m) to prise him away from Boca Juniors, continuing their exciting summer recruitment drive.

The 19-year-old will return to Boca on loan until at least January, but he has committed to a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge, which is a reflection of the Premier League giants' faith in his potential. Anselmino has been described as "the great jewel of Boca" by the media in Argentina, and the weight of expectation on his shoulders is increasing with each passing game, but the early signs suggest he will be able to handle it.

"With the growth, the head he has and the desire to learn that he shows, he is on his way to being a great footballer," Boca president Juan Roman Riquelme told at the start of the year. Getting a glowing endorsement from an Argentina icon is no easy feat, and it will be fascinating to see if he can live up to that billing.

GOAL is on hand to bring you everything you need to know about Anselmino after he completed his life-changing switch to the Premier League…

Where it all began

Anselmino was born in Bernardo Larroude, a village located in Argentina's La Pampas province: one of the largest open grassland areas in the country. Details on his upbringing are not widely known, but he managed to break into Boca's academy ranks at the age of 12, and his rise to prominence was meteoric.

Boca is one of the most renowned talent factories in world football, with the likes of Carlos Tevez, Fernando Gago, Ever Banega, and more recently Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, all getting their starts in the game at La Bombonera. Anselmino quickly set about trying to emulate those household names, and spent six years honing his skills in the reserves before stepping onto the senior stage.

Argentine coach Jorge Almiron handed Anselmino his debut at the age of 18, as he came on as a half-time substitute in an Argentine Primera Division clash against Lanus in June 2023, and managed to leave a lasting impression. Anselmino helped drive Boca out of defence at every opportunity and snuffed out a number of promising Lanus attacks, which earned him special praise from Almiron.

“It was the debut of a little guy who did really very well," the Boca boss said after the game. "It seems like he had 200 games, the truth is that entering the Boca field and playing like he played… It's not easy and I'm very happy for him."

It was an emotional occasion for Anselmino, who had only signed his first professional contract hours before kick-off, but he played with a maturity belying his tender years, instantly endearing himself to Boca's hardcore fanbase in the process.

AdvertisementThe big break

Anselmino would finish the 2023 season with five senior appearances to his name across all competitions, doing enough to prove himself as an important asset for Boca. By that stage he was already generating interest from Europe, which left the Argentine giants at risk of losing him for an insignificant fee.

On January 9, 2004, Boca handed Anselmino a contract extension though to 2028, and set his release clause at $20m. That show of faith did not, however, lead to an increase in minutes.

The teenage defender only played once in Boca's 2024 Copa de la Liga group-stage campaign, after Diego Martinez was drafted in to replace Almiron as head coach. Anselmino had to wait until April to make his mark, as he was given his first start for the club in a Copa Sudamericana clash with Nacional Potosi, playing 70 minutes in a 0-0 draw.

Anselmino did enough to retain his place in Martinez' line up for their next group game against Trinidense, and this time he had a decisive impact. Boca were staring down the barrel of another stalemate before Anselmino produced a stunning header to put them in front in the 70th minute, sending the La Bombonera faithful into raptures.

Lautaro Blanco swung a hopeful cross in from the left that needed someone to attack it, and Anselmino did exactly that, outmuscling his marker while timing his run and jump perfectly to nod the ball home. It was the moment that Anselmino truly announced himself to the world.

He also showed he can offer a genuine threat from set-pieces, which is invaluable in the modern game. But his joy would quickly turn to despair.

GettyHow it's going

Boca ended up finishing the game against Trinidense with 10 men after using up all their substitutions, because Anselmino was carted off with an injury shortly after his match-winning contribution. It was later confirmed the Argentine ace had suffered a muscle tear, which kept him on the sidelines for the next two months.

He eventually made his return in a 1-0 league win Velez Sarsfield on June 15 – with former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani scoring the winner before getting himself sent off. Anselmino was all smiles after coming on as a stoppage-time substitute, but he was barely on the pitch for a minute before suffering another unfortunate setback.

The 19-year-old was seen limping after going in for a challenge, and although he was able to stay on until the final whistle, he broke down in tears as soon as the referee blew it. It was another cruel blow for a player who is still adapting to the physical demands of football at this level.

"Aaron's injury is a shame. I don't know how bad his injury is," Boca boss Martinez said after the game. "He was in very bad shape. He's going to work hard again, prepare himself and we'll have that footballer that I feel the club has and he's going to give us a lot of joy."

A subsequent scan revealed Anselmino had suffered a reoccurrence of the issue that sidelined him through April and May, and he now faces another long road to recovery. These fitness problems will, of course, be a concern for Chelsea, but they will also note his strength of character – another sure sign of a top player.

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Getty ImagesBiggest strengths

Anselmino is a commanding, two-footed centre-back who thrives in one-on-one situations. The Boca youngster has an intimidating physical presence and also boasts plenty of pace, which may explain why he's on Enzo Maresca's radar, as the Chelsea boss is likely to set his team up with a high backline from next season.

In possession, Anselmino has even more going for him. He loves to get on the ball and is an accomplished passer, always looking to break through the lines and drive his team forward. For such a young player he is also surprisingly composed, and has a high footballing IQ.

All of these qualities allow Anselmino to play in a variety of other positions, including as a holding midfielder. When he eventually arrives at Stamford Bridge that versatility could be invaluable as he faces increased competition for a starting spot in the most demanding league in Europe.