Rangers Eye Winter Swoop For This Chelsea Defender – Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

If a report from The Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Rangers are eyeing a loan move for Aaron Anselmino to bolster their backline. But they are not alone in the race as Sheffield Wednesday and Marseille also have the Chelsea youngster on their radar ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Blues have spent billions to reconstruct the squad but, at the same time, invested in project signings to reap the benefits for years to come. The 19-year-old Argentine centre-half is one for the future despite first-team experience with Boca Juniors back in his homeland.

Anselmino progressed through the youth ranks of Juventud Unida and Sportivo Realicó before joining Boca’s esteemed academy set-up. He made significant strides for the reserves and eventually secured a first-team status in 2023.

Chelsea spotted the emerging teenager flourishing for the Genoese and took little time to splash £15.6m last summer to secure his services. He was supposed to stay at La Bombonera on loan till June 2024, but the Blues opted to cut the spell short and recall him earlier this month.

JUNIN, ARGENTINA – NOVEMBER 10: Aaron Anselmino of Boca Juniors warms up before a Liga Profesional 2024 match between Sarmiento and Boca Juniors at Eva Peron Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Junin, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

Although the London side lack depth and experience in the heart of the backline due to form and fitness reasons, Anselmino does not belong to Enzo Maresca’s immediate plans at Stamford Bridge. A loan move would benefit all parties involved, and Rangers, who are in dire need of defensive reinforcements, must step up the chase before the window is slammed shut tomorrow.

Why Rangers Should Rope Him In Before Monday’s Deadline

Philippe Clement hardly had a stable deep defence so far this season amid Leon Balogun, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, John Souttar and Dujon Sterling’s injury absence. Robin Propper remains the only senior centre-back available for selection and the gaffer was forced to promote Clinton Nsiala and Leon King from the reserves.

With both Nsiala and Lille loanee Rafael Fernandes not eligible to feature in Europe, Clement had no other option but to rely on skipper James Tavernier as a makeshift centre-half against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Meanwhile, the Gers must fend off interest from south of the border and France to tie down Anselmino. Sheffield Wednesday are going strong in the Championship having emerged as a surprise contender for a playoff place finish. Les Phocéens, under Roberto De Zerbi, could finish as the runners-up in Ligue 1 behind Paris St-Germain.

Having said that, his minutes would be limited at Marseille as the understudy to senior centre-backs. Rangers’ run in Europe, along with the busy domestic schedule, should present a better experience than the second-tier of English football. Anselmino will have opportunities to prove his worth, and therefore, restore stability in the Light Blues’ decimated defensive third.