Arsenal and Chelsea Target Boca Juniors Teenager Tomas Aranda

Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Boca Juniors youngster Tomas Aranda as both Premier League clubs explore the possibility of signing the Argentine attacking midfielder.

The two English sides have made initial enquiries about the 19-year-old, although neither has submitted a formal offer, according to a report by El Intransigente cited by TheHardTackle.

Boca Juniors are keen to keep the promising attacker. However, his reported release clause could make it difficult for the Argentine club to fend off interest from Europe.

Arsenal and Chelsea consider moves for Aranda

Aranda’s contract reportedly includes a $20 million release clause. The fee is said to rise to $25 million if activated before the start of Boca Juniors’ next season.

Chelsea are understood to view the teenager as a potential long-term investment. One reported option involves sending him on loan to Strasbourg, giving him an opportunity to develop through regular first-team football.

Although Chelsea already have several players competing for attacking positions, Aranda’s versatility and potential could make him an attractive addition to their future plans.

Arsenal are also assessing the youngster’s profile as they consider ways to strengthen their attacking options.

The Gunners could view Aranda as additional cover on the left flank. His ability to operate centrally may also appeal to manager Mikel Arteta as the club considers its long-term options behind captain Martin Odegaard.

However, both clubs would need to assess the financial terms and the player’s development needs before pursuing a formal transfer.

Tomas Aranda’s rise at Boca Juniors

Aranda has attracted attention following his progress into Boca Juniors’ senior team.

He made his first-team debut on January 28, 2026, against Estudiantes de La Plata in the Torneo Apertura. Boca lost the match 2-1, but the appearance marked an important step in his career.

According to the original report, Aranda has recorded 32 official appearances across competitions, scoring once and providing three assists.

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His performances have helped raise his profile beyond Argentine club football. The report also noted that Lionel Messi praised the youngster during an Adidas campaign.

Aranda reportedly made his senior Argentina debut on June 6, 2026, coming off the bench in a 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras in Texas.

That progress has strengthened interest in his future, with Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs reportedly tracking his situation.

Boca Juniors face a decision over their young prospect

Boca Juniors remain keen to retain Aranda, whose development has made him a player to watch in the transfer market.

Nevertheless, the reported release clause could give interested clubs a route to securing his services if they meet the applicable terms.

For Arsenal, the teenager could provide additional attacking depth and a potential long-term option in central midfield. Chelsea, meanwhile, could explore a development pathway that includes a loan spell before integrating him into their first-team plans.

For now, the interest appears to remain at the enquiry stage. Neither club has reportedly made a formal bid, meaning Aranda’s future remains uncertain as attention grows around the young Argentine’s progress.