Brighton latest to target Boca youngster – Riquelme has own ideas

· 5 min read

Brighton have emerged as the latest Premier League club to be linked with Boca Juniors youngster Tomás Aranda.

Reports in Argentina claim the Seagulls are closely monitoring the midfielder as they continue their search for emerging South American talent.

Arsenal and Aston Villa have both been credited with interest in the 20-year-old over the past week. Brighton are now the latest English club to enter the conversation.

However, Boca Juniors are determined to keep hold of one of their brightest academy graduates. That is why the club have inserted a €17m (£15m) release clause in his contract.

But according to El Intransigente, Brighton are following Aranda’s development closely. Their interest has put Boca president Juan Román Riquelme on alert as the Argentine club prepare for another transfer window.

The newspaper suggests the Boca midfielder fits the profile Brighton regularly target because of his age, technical ability and room for development.

Aranda has become one of Boca’s standout young players after forcing his way into the first team this year. He has made 21 senior appearances, scoring once and providing two assists.

His performances even earned recognition from Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni before the 2026 World Cup.

Boca unwilling to sanction sale

Despite the growing attention from England and elsewhere in Europe, El Intransigente says Boca have no intention of allowing Aranda to leave easily.

Boca are trying to rebuild under manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena following a disappointing first half of the season. The manager sees Aranda as an important piece in his plans. This makes the midfielder’s development a sporting priority as much as a financial asset.

Aranda is under contract until December 2029, giving Boca a strong position if clubs decide to move beyond initial scouting. Either way, his €17m (£15m) release clause is there for the taking.

With Arsenal, Aston Villa and now Brighton all linked with the midfielder in recent days, Premier League interest in Aranda appears to be gathering momentum even if Boca remain determined to keep him at La Bombonera for now.

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Source: Pedro Reinert · sportwitness.co.uk