According to a report from Football Transfer on Thursday, November, 05, 2026, Chelsea could have an opportunity to pursue Boca Juniors playmaker Tomas Aranda in January, following the teenager’s unexpectedly swift recovery from injury.

The 19-year-old had been on Chelsea’s radar before a fibula injury in August interrupted his progress.

His absence was expected to extend into the new year, making a mid-season transfer difficult to contemplate.

However, Argentine outlet TyC Sports reports that Aranda has returned to team training ahead of schedule, defying initial expectations after undergoing surgery last week.

Boca are expected to handle his recovery carefully, but Aranda could be considered for the first-team squad against Defensa y Justicia in the Clausura’s final regular-season fixture this weekend.

His return would be timely for the club, which faces a demanding run featuring a Copa Argentina semi-final and a Copa Sudamericana final.

It could also reshape the discussion around his future. Chelsea and other clubs had been tracking Aranda before his injury, while Arsenal were linked with him earlier in the year.

A January move had appeared unlikely while he was sidelined, but an early return could encourage prospective buyers to reassess.

Aranda would still need to demonstrate that he has recovered his pre-injury sharpness. If he manages to feature before the end of the year and makes a strong impression, a winter transfer may become more realistic.

The Argentina international is regarded as one of South America’s most promising young players.

Though his Boca record one goal and three assists in 32 appearances may not stand out, his versatility and creative ability have attracted widespread attention.

He has already made his senior Argentina debut under Lionel Scaloni and was recently included by Lionel Messi among the world’s 10 best young talents.

Aranda’s release clause is currently €18 million and is set to rise to €22 million in January.

Chelsea could consider placing him at Strasbourg, their BlueCo partner, although that route may require changes to the club’s current loan arrangements. Strasbourg could also potentially sign him outright before a later move to Chelsea.

For now, a January transfer remains uncertain. Aranda’s fitness and performances over the coming weeks are likely to determine whether Chelsea or another interested club decides to act.