Since their change in ownership, Chelsea have undergone a major change in their identity as a football club. They have focused on signing the best youngsters in the world rather than going after proven and experienced players. So far, the results on the pitch have not backed their vision but they have stuck to their ways regardless. The hope clearly is that it will work out in the long term. And in that quest, they have signed one of Real Madrid's rumoured targets.
Real Madrid are another club who have been very active when it comes to signing the most talented youngsters from around the world. For them, the results have been much more positive as they have gotten the balance of youth and experience right.
Aaron Anselmino is someone Real Madrid had been linked with in recent times. The rising Argentine centre-back is considered one of the biggest talents in South American football right now.
But as reported by BBC, Chelsea have agreed a deal in principle to sign Anselmino. It will take a £15.6 million transfer fee but the centre-back will go back on loan to Boca Juniors until at least January.
Chelsea agree £15.6m deal to sign Real Madrid target
Chelsea have pretty much backed themselves into a corner with their transfer strategy. The new ownership spent so heavily in their first two seasons that they have not been able to compete for top talents this summer.
Instead, they have signed a number of youngsters, who are not the game-changers that they might need to get back to competing for trophies once again. They have a new manager in place as well, in the form of Enzo Maresca. And the results in pre-season have been far from positive for them.
As for Real Madrid, they have no such problems. They are the defending La Liga and Champions League holders going into the 2024/25 season and on top of that, they have added Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to their squad.