Chelsea could challenge Manchester United for the signature of one central defender this summer.

Central defence is an area Chelsea could look to strengthen when the transfer window reopens.

Wesley Fofana is still out injured and Thiago Silva may not be at the club for the 2024/25 season.

The Brazilian’s contract expires in the summer and Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that his future has not even been discussed yet despite it being April.

It looks like, then, Chelsea could head to Argentina for reinforcements.

Chelsea scouting Manchester United target

Chelsea have been sending scouts to Argentina ahead of the summer transfer window, according to HITC.

The outlet claims that Boca Juniors’ Aaron Anselmino is of interest to the Blues, while their Premier League rivals United have also been keeping a close eye on him.

MORE CHELSEA STORIES

The 18-year-old could cost $20m (£16m), with Planeta Boca Juniors reporting that the centre-half has a release clause of that value written into his contract.

Chelsea have not been afraid to dip into the South American market since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

They have already signed the likes of Andrey Santos and Deivid Washington from Brazil, for example.

Why Chelsea need someone with more experience than Aaron Anselmino

At 18, while it is not impossible that Anselmino could come in at Chelsea now and have a role, he looks like one more for the future.

The Blues, however, need a centre-back who can make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge if they do decide to sign a new one.

Pochettino’s men have been extremely poor at the back, especially of late. While Everton were unable to score against them, Chelsea conceded five goals in their last two Premier League games before that.

Especially if Silva departs, Chelsea need a world-class central defender, even if it means making him one of their most expensive ever signings.