armory Boca Juniors are keeping an eye on youngster Tomas Aranda. Interest in the Argentinian midfielder is increasing after an impressive breakout season.
The Gunners have regularly looked towards the Argentine market in recent years. Now a latest report has claimed that the 20-year-old youth is on their radar. However, there is no formal approach at this stage.
according to indolentFollowing his performances for Boca Juniors during the first half of 2026, Arsenal have begun to closely monitor Aranda's progress.
The report suggests that the London club is adopting a patient approach. They want to continue to evaluate the young player before deciding on a move.
Breakthrough season attracts attention
Tomas Aranda made his senior debut for Boca on 28 January this year. Yet he has quickly established himself as one of the club's most talented young players.
He has made 21 competitive appearances in the Argentine Apertura and Copa Argentina. He has scored once – against Instituto – and provided two assists. Although those numbers are modest, their impact has grown steadily. He has become one of Boca's most promising creative midfielders.
The report adds that Arsenal are not alone. Serie A sides Parma and Como have also been credited with interest in recent months, while Argentine journalists leandro aguilera It was previously reported that several European scouts have attended Boca matches specifically to watch Aranda. Manchester City also credited with interest earlier this year.
Boca are determined to protect one of their biggest academy products. The club have put in a release clause of €17m (£15m). President Juan Román Riquelme's board is believed to be uninterested in negotiating below that figure.
arsenal in no hurry
The report emphasizes that Arsenal have not submitted any offer. At present they are gathering information instead of accelerating the pace of negotiations.
This approach would make sense given Aranda's limited first-team experience. Despite Boca making a dent in the side, they still have less than 25 senior players. Further development in Argentina could increase both his value and his readiness for European football.
There are further indications of how highly he is rated. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Aranda spent time around the Argentina setup. He also revealed that Lionel Messi approached him after one of his performances, which shows how much he is respected.
Meanwhile, Boca manager Rodolfo Arrubarena reportedly sees Aranda's long-term future as a central midfielder rather than a winger, believing that his ability to face goal and dictate play is where he can make the biggest impact.
For Arsenal, this currently looks like a scouting exercise rather than an imminent transfer search. However, if Aranda continues his rapid development during the second half of the year, Boca may soon have a lot more to think about than just monitoring.
