Chelsea could make a surprise U-turn over Aaron Anselmino after previously making the young defender available for another loan.
The 20-year-old had been among the players who could leave Stamford Bridge temporarily as Xabi Alonso attempted to reduce an overcrowded centre-back department.
However, The Athletic’s Simon Johnson now reports that Anselmino could stay at Chelsea instead.
That would represent a significant change just as Alonso’s defensive hierarchy begins to take shape.
Aaron Anselmino Chelsea future takes surprise turn
Anselmino joined Chelsea from Boca Juniors for around £15million in 2024 and remains tied to a long-term contract.
His development has already taken him from Argentina to Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg, with injuries disrupting both European loan spells.
Earlier this week, The Times reported that Anselmino could once again leave on loan after Chelsea’s signing of Maxence Lacroix left Alonso with 10 senior centre-backs.
That picture is now changing quickly.
Benoit Badiashile is heading towards Napoli after Fabrizio Romano confirmed a medical will take place this week, while other defenders have also attracted transfer interest.
Keeping Anselmino would therefore give Alonso another young option while Chelsea continue cutting numbers elsewhere.
The Argentine has already been involved throughout pre-season and was given squad number 30 for Chelsea’s summer programme.
His profile also offers something valuable.
Anselmino is comfortable defending aggressively, has experience in the Bundesliga and remains young enough to develop considerably under Alonso rather than immediately needing to become a regular starter.
Chelsea have repeatedly shown they still rate him highly. Earlier this year, the Blues blocked any possibility of Borussia Dortmund signing him permanently after becoming unhappy with the German club’s attempts to keep him.
Another loan had appeared the likely next step.
Johnson’s latest update suggests Alonso may now prefer to keep Anselmino much closer.
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