Manchester United have been told what it would cost to sign highly-rated Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino, according to reports.
The centre-back position has been one, this campaign in particular, that has caused headaches for the Red Devils with a consistent stream of injury problems not allowing for consistency.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have hardly had any time together this season to build on the relationship they forged last campaign due to the Argentine’s injury.
It has been reported by ESPN that there will be a wide-ranging clearout in the heart of the United defence this summer with only Martinez currently safe going into the next campaign and, as a result, new centre-backs will be targeted.
Anselmino targeted
Now, according to a report from Argentine outlet Planeta Boca Juniors, Aaron Anselmino, 18, has been the subject of interest from the Red Devils as well as Italian giants AC Milan.
These inquiries for the young defender came in the January transfer window so the Argentinian giants moved quickly to ensure the defender was on a new deal, with his new contract not expiring until 2028.
The new contract he signed with Boca included an increase to his salary and saw the release clause included in his current deal increase to £15 million.
The Argentine side recently lost Valentin Barco to Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton & Hove Albion for just $10 million and Boca were reportedly keen on not losing another talent for such a minimal fee.
However, this clause has now increased again to around £21 million which is certainly a steep sum of money for an 18-year-old defender.
There may well be risk attached to trying to get a deal like this done but these are the exact type of signings that the new regime have to make if we are to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool in the future.
Who is Aaron Anselmino
The Argentine teenager predominantly plays as a centre-back but has made just five first-team appearances for the Primera Division side so making a move for the 18-year-old may well be a risk.
However, he does fit the mold of what the Red Devils are believed to be looking at as he can play as a right-sided defender if Varane departs Old Trafford in the summer.
It’s about time the Red Devils, who are famed for their academy production, attempt to do what some of the other big clubs do and explore signing young players who can be purchased for a decent price.
Aaron Anselmino
- Age: 18
- Date of birth: 29/04/2005
- Position: Centre-back
- Club: Boca Juniors
- Former clubs: Boca Juniors II
- Nationality: Argentinian
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