Chelsea and Arsenal given boost to sign Tomás Aranda

Boca Juniors midfielder Aranda is recovering faster than expected from a fibula fracture, potentially returning to play before January and allowing Chelsea and Arsenal to assess him in competitive action.

Tomás Aranda, the Boca Juniors midfielder linked with Chelsea and Arsenal, is making a surprisingly rapid recovery from a fractured right fibula that was initially expected to sideline him until 2027. The Argentine is already back in full training with his teammates and could feature in Boca's match against Defensa y Justicia on Saturday, with manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena considering his inclusion after assessing his physical condition during the week.

Aranda's last appearance came on 24 August in a 1-1 draw against Racing. His early return would give him competitive match time before the January transfer window, allowing Chelsea and Arsenal—both of whom have shown interest in the attacking midfielder—to evaluate his condition. Boca have shown little enthusiasm for selling him, with his contract running until December 2029, though Chelsea's reported interest had included a potential move in early 2027 followed by a loan to Strasbourg.