According to a report by footballTransfers on Friday October 16, 2026, Chelsea are monitoring Boca Juniors youngster Tomas Aranda, whose potential has earned praise from Lionel Messi.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of Argentina’s most exciting prospects after making his senior debut for Boca in January. He initially featured from the bench before establishing himself in the starting lineup.

Aranda’s versatility has also made him valuable: he can play as a left wing-back, winger or central playmaker, and is capable of operating on the right.

Before suffering a fractured fibula in August, Aranda had made 32 appearances for Boca. He also earned his first senior cap for Argentina in the build-up to the World Cup, though he was not included in the squad for the tournament in North America.

Messi recently highlighted Aranda as one of the world’s top young talents in an Adidas campaign, adding to the attention surrounding the teenager’s future.

According to El Intransigente, Chelsea remain interested despite his injury. Arsenal and Napoli are also reported to be following his progress.

Chelsea have increasingly looked to South America for emerging talent since Clearlake Capital took control of the club in 2022.

One possibility under consideration is for Aranda to join Chelsea before spending time at sister club Strasbourg.

The club used a similar pathway for Ecuadorian prospect Kendry Páez after bringing him to Europe. Chelsea have reportedly made enquiries, but have not yet submitted a formal offer.

Boca are reluctant to let Aranda leave and are demanding that interested clubs meet his release clause.

The fee is currently $20 million, or about €18 million, but is expected to rise to $25 million approximately €22 million before Argentina’s new season begins in early 2027.

Aranda is expected to remain sidelined until December, making a January transfer seem unlikely. A move later in 2027 may be more realistic, depending on how well he recovers and returns to form.

If he does, his future could become one of the major talking points of the summer transfer window.