CHELSEA have recalled Aaron Anselmino back from his loan to Borussia Dortmund.
The 20-year-old Argentine defender has been thriving on loan in Germany this season, but will now return to Stamford Bridge after the Blues had been evaluating new options in the centre of defence.
Chelsea chiefs have preferred to call Anselmino back rather than activate the same clause in the contract of Mamadou Sarr.
The Senegalese defender has just won the Africa Cup of Nations and has been shining in defence for sister club Strasbourg before returning to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The news will be disappointing for Dortmund fans in particular, with the defender being dubbed ‘El Grätsche’ in Germany, which translates to “El Tackle”, after making a spectacular sliding tackle in his first game.
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl was especially keen on keeping Anselmino beyond his loan spell, with Niklas Sule’s contract expiring.
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Kehl claimed earlier in the season he would call Chelsea about that possibility.
Turns out it’s not a possibility at all.
Anselmino has gained top flight and Champions League experience at Dortmund, and provides another option on the left side of defence for Liam Rosenior.
The move also shows there is no desperation to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in January, which would’ve been a costly expense.
The recall will mean more competition for places in the Chelsea defence, which could mean fewer minutes for Cobham starlet Josh Acheampong.
Acheampong though is very highly thought of at Stamford Bridge, and his sale is deemed impossible despite alleged interest from Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich.
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