Arsenal eye £17m move for Argentine prodigy Tomas Aranda

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to submit a formal £17 million offer for Boca Juniors attacking midfielder Tomas Aranda, according to Parma Live. The 19-year-old Argentine has been dubbed the 'new Lionel Messi' after rising through the ranks at La Bombonera.

Who is Tomas Aranda?

Aranda, 19, is a left-footed playmaker who primarily operates as an attacking midfielder or winger. He broke into Boca Juniors' first team during the 2025 season, making 12 appearances and scoring 3 goals in the Argentine Primera División. His dribbling, close control, and vision have drawn comparisons to compatriot Lionel Messi.

Aranda came through Boca's famed youth academy, which has produced talents like Juan Román Riquelme and Carlos Tevez. He represented Argentina at U20 level, scoring twice in five caps.

Why Arsenal are interested

Arsenal's recruitment strategy under sporting director Edu has focused on young, high-potential talent. The club successfully signed Gabriel Martinelli from Brazil as a teenager and have seen Bukayo Saka rise through the academy.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 season. With Leandro Trossard turning 31 next year and Reiss Nelson's future uncertain, Arsenal want a dynamic wide player who can also play centrally.

Aranda's style suits Mikel Arteta's system. He is comfortable in tight spaces, presses aggressively, and can play in either half-space. His creativity could provide an alternative to Martin Ødegaard in the number ten role.

The £17m price tag in context

A £17 million fee for a teenager with limited first-team experience represents a calculated gamble. By comparison, Arsenal paid £7.2 million for Martinelli in 2019 and £34 million for Fabio Vieira in 2022. Boca Juniors have a reputation for extracting high fees for their young stars, having sold Alexis Mac Allister to Brighton for £7 million in 2019 before his World Cup triumph.

Aranda's release clause is reportedly around £25 million, so Arsenal's offer is below that threshold. Boca may hold out for a higher fee, especially given the 'new Messi' hype.

  • Aranda has 3 goals and 2 assists in 12 league games this season.
  • He averages 2.1 dribbles per game at a 78% success rate.
  • His contract at Boca runs until December 2028.

Fantasy Premier League implications

If signed, Aranda would likely be classified as a £6.0-6.5 million midfielder in FPL. His creativity could make him a budget differential, but game time would be limited initially. Arsenal's favourable early fixtures (home to Bournemouth, Everton, and Nottingham Forest) might offer a chance for minutes off the bench.

What's next?

Arsenal are expected to formalise their offer in the coming days. Boca Juniors will likely demand a structured deal with add-ons. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with Aranda keen to move to Europe. A decision is anticipated before the end of the transfer window.

Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home