Chelsea FC are working through plans to loan out 20-year-old Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino for the 2025/26 season. This loan deal comes with the utmost importance on his development via regular first team appearances. Even though The Blues bought Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors for a fee of £17 million in 2024, he’s already been set with Chelsea since January. Manager Enzo Maresca perceives Consolo as he is not ready to play in the Premier League at this stage.
Loan Strategy and Chelsea’s Interests
Chelsea’s loan strategy is predominantly to try to get Anselmino minutes that will be competitive, with several teams around Europe interested in bringing him in on loan:
- Strasbourg – Chelsea’s sister club will provide a control environment but like others will be in competition with top clubs
- Borussia Dortmund- Likely deemed as the best option from Chelsea’s perspective because of the club’s reputation for developing young players. Moreover, it creates the exposure to top club European football.
- Marseille – Were committed to trying to sign Anselmino in January. It would be a strong option, especially due to European football.
- Real Betis- They are currently trying to find out information on the defender. Meanwhile, they try to gather La Liga ready defenders as they adjust their backline.
A Chelsea insider emphasized: “The club are prioritizing the player’s development in an environment where he can play regularly”. No final decision has been made, but a season-long loan is deemed “highly likely”.
Background and Chelsea’s Vision
Aaron Anselmino joined the Stamford Bridge side in January 2025 after a loan-back to Boca Juniors. This aimed to ease the player’s transition. He made his Chelsea debut, albeit briefly as a periphery character, when he made a 2 minute cameo as a substitute in the Club World Cup against Benfica. This cameo served to also highlight his symbolic peripheral role. Chelsea hoped that they had made a long-term player investment for a player whose future they would need to “grow” care of a 2031 contract.
Using a loan-back fits into a more general inventory strategy for Chelsea when it comes to hoarding young players. It is also copying models like Porto’s and Benfica’s historical successes with South American talent. Loans serve an underlying purpose both in value-adding future players to Chelsea inventory while also preparing them tactically for the demands of the Premier League.
What’s Next?
Aaron Anselmino set for European football remains paramount. A move to Dortmund or Marseille could offer Champions League or Europa League experience, accelerating his growth. For Betis or Strasbourg, the promise of consistent starts in top leagues adds appeal. Chelsea will decide after pre-season assessments, weighing which club best balances competitive pressure with developmental support.
The Bigger Picture
The loan demonstrates Chelsea’s growing transfer philosophy; they will buy promising youth, use loan transfers to develop them and then bring developed talent into the first team. For Anselmino, 2025/26 will be a vital pathway between Argentine football and Chelsea tripling its ambitions as he must perform well abroad. The decision to loan him for 2025/26 prioritizes competitive growth over rushed integration. Chelsea’s model—akin to historic South American talent incubators like Porto and Benfica—relies on strategic loans to bridge the gap between potential and Premier League readiness.
Interest from Borussia Dortmund, Marseille, Real Betis, and sister club Strasbourg offers varied pathways. Dortmund stands out for its proven ability to refine young defenders within high-pressure European fixtures, while Betis provides La Liga exposure. Strasbourg remains a controlled option, though Chelsea’s choice will hinge solely on guaranteed minutes. Crucially, Anselmino’s seven-year contract (until 2031) reflects Chelsea’s patience. This loan is not an exit route but an essential step in his evolution. Success abroad could see him return as a polished asset, aligning with the club’s vision of blending youth development with sustainable value creation. For now, his trajectory exemplifies Chelsea’s faith in curated progression over haste.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
