“I will have to pick up the phone…”: Borussia Dortmund keen on signing “world-class” Chelsea youngster

Dortmund want another Chelsea star. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund have built a strong relationship in recent years, with a steady flow of players moving between Stamford Bridge and the Westfalenstadion.

From Dortmund to Chelsea came Christian Pulisic — whose time in London had highs and lows — and more recently Jamie Gittens, who has settled quickly in blue.

Going the opposite direction, the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Ian Maatsen and Carney Chukwuemeka have all spent spells in Germany either permanently or on loan.

Now BVB want to extend that partnership once again — this time for a defender they already have in their ranks.

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed they are eager to turn Aaron Anselmino’s loan from Chelsea into a permanent transfer.

The 20-year-old Argentine — considered one of the most promising young centre-backs in South America when he joined Chelsea from Boca Juniors in 2024 — made his Blues debut at the Club World Cup before heading to Germany on a season-long loan with no buy clause included.

After an early injury setback, Anselmino has come roaring back, becoming a key part of Dortmund’s defence and even earning praise from Niko Kovač, who labelled him “world-class.”

The youngster scored his first Bundesliga goal at the weekend in a 2–1 win over Bayer Leverkusen, prompting Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl to admit he’s preparing to initiate talks with Chelsea.

“I will have to pick up the phone in the next few days and will certainly call them,” Kehl said, per The Metro. “We hope that Aarón will stay on, of course. We have a very good connection with Chelsea.”

Given how quickly Anselmino has developed — and the level he’s already producing — Dortmund’s interest is no surprise. But equally, his form may convince Chelsea that he’s a talent worth keeping firmly within their long-term plans.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.