Manchester United have begun the summer transfer window with a bang, sealing two huge signings with more on the way as INEOS make their mark on the playing squad in their first window in charge.
One of their remits was bringing in young talent instead of the old policy of signing readymade stars, something Sir Jim Ratcliffe had alluded to as well.
Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna, only 23 and already a Champions League winner at former club Bayern Munich, and Lille’s Leny Yoro, all of 18 years, have joined thus far.
The new co-owners plan to cast their net far and wide and that includes trying to rope in South American gems, a huge market that has not been tapped into since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Anselmino off to Chelsea
Aaron Anselmino of Boca Juniors was reportedly being heavily scouted ahead of a summer approach with Chelsea also in the race for the 19-year-old.
Football Insider have claimed that despite making a “major offer” for the Argentine sensation, the Blues have trumped them with an even bigger deal. Chelsea are yet to announce the signing but it is all but done barring a few formalities.
The London side agreed a deal worth a mammoth £17 million plus add-ons and agreed to loan him back to Boca till December when it will be reviewed.
“Chelsea have reached a full agreement to sign Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors for £17million plus add-ons, sources have told Football Insider.
“The plan is for the centre-back, 19, to return to Buenos Aires-based Boca Juniors for six months on an initial loan. This will be reviewed at the end of the Argentine league’s season in December.
United’s offer trumped
“Chelsea have yet to announce the Anselmino deal but it is believed it is all finalised barring formalities.
“The Londoners have beaten off competition from Man United to get a deal done. United are believed to have made a “major offer” for the rising star but they have been trumped by Chelsea.”
The 20-time English league champions have missed out on talents from that part of the world in recent years while Chelsea have made the most of it.
The Anselmino deal follows in the wake of their agreement for young Brazilian prodigy Estevao, incidentally another target for United, for £28 million plus add-ons.
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