Chelsea Transfer News: Aaron Anselmino’s recall clause triggered – Ornstein

Chelsea have triggered the recall clause for centre-back Aaron Anselmino, according to David Ornstein.

Anselmino, a 20-year-old Argentine, has appeared in 10 matches on loan for Borussia Dortmund this season.

Chelsea are evaluating the centre-back market as the club deals with injuries at the position, and they also have a recall clause for Mamadou Sarr, who is on loan at affiliated club Strasbourg.

Levi Colwill is out for the season with a knee injury, while Tosin Adarabioyo is slated to return from a thigh injury in mid-February.

Chelsea have been chasing Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, but Anselmino’s return provides some safety in case a deal for the Frenchman cannot get done this month.

Chelsea’s centre-back depth issues

One of former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s biggest disappointments before his winter departure was the fact the club did not replace Colwill, who suffered his injury before the season began.

With only three experienced central defenders — Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and Wesley Fofana, although Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong can play there — the club sees the need to bring in another player for depth.

Chelsea are still competing on all four fronts, being the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup, and FA Cup.

Whether Anselmino will be the one to provide that depth is uncertain. Sarr’s future at Strasbourg is being considered as well, and if Chelsea recalls him, then they may want to send another centre-back to their affiliate club.

Anselmino’s profile

Anselmino has played less than 1,000 minutes this season, making it hard to get a read on what kind of defender he is and how he stacks up against European competition.

He has 368 Bundesliga minutes under his belt, averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.22 interceptions, and 5.62 recoveries per 90 minutes.

In his final season in Argentina with Boca Juniors in 2024, he was a prolific tackler (2.68 per 90 minutes) and made an above-average amount of interceptions (1.96 per 90).

He also provided three assists, and he scored one goal in the Copa Argentina and another in the Copa Libertadores.

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