Leonel Flores: Chelsea and Arsenal ahead of January battle for wonderkid

Arsenal and Chelsea monitoring 19-year-old Argentina winger Leonel Flores at Boca Juniors; no formal bid yet but both clubs tracking him ahead of January window.

Arsenal and Chelsea have placed Leonel Flores on their transfer radar as Boca Juniors face difficulty retaining the 19-year-old Argentina international. Flores, who joined Boca's youth system in 2014, made his senior debut in July and has impressed with five goals and three assists in 29 appearances this season. The versatile forward, who primarily plays on the right wing, earned his Argentina senior debut in September and has since earned three caps.

Neither Arsenal nor Chelsea has yet submitted a formal offer, though both Premier League clubs are actively monitoring his progress. Brighton also showed interest in the summer without advancing. Boca Juniors, aware of the European attention, secured Flores on a contract through December 2029 in May 2025, but the club has indicated they are not in a strong position to block a departure if a suitable bid arrives. The South American side will evaluate any offer and determine appropriate transfer conditions, suggesting an opportunity exists for either London club to pursue a deal in the January window.