The reported interest in Leonel Flores remains at an early stage, with Boca Juniors yet to receive a formal proposal for the teenager. Argentine outlet El Intransigente says Arsenal and Chelsea are among the English clubs monitoring his progress ahead of the January window.
The 19-year-old has risen through Boca’s youth system after joining in 2014 and made his senior debut in July. He has since established himself as a player to watch, with his performances also earning him a first call-up to Argentina’s senior squad in September.
Flores is most comfortable on the right wing, although his versatility has allowed Boca to use him in different positions across the front line. The original report says he has also been deployed as a wing-back, giving any potential suitor more than one option in how to use him.
He scored nine goals and supplied four assists for Boca’s reserve side earlier this year, taking his overall reserve tally to 19 goals and five assists. He also has five goals and three assists across 29 appearances, with 1,690 minutes played.
El Intransigente stresses that Arsenal and Chelsea are following the player rather than negotiating a deal, and neither club has submitted an offer.
Boca are aware that strong performances from their young players can draw interest from European sides. President Juan Román Riquelme is involved in planning for the 2027 season, with the club balancing the development of emerging talent against the possibility of approaches from abroad.
Flores signed a contract running until December 2029, giving Boca a degree of protection over his future. A separate report from the same outlet says his release clause is $20 million, potentially rising to $25 million in certain circumstances.
Brighton were also linked with Flores during the summer, but no move followed. For now, Arsenal and Chelsea appear to be assessing the Argentina international rather than preparing a bid. Boca’s position could be tested if that interest becomes concrete, but there is currently no confirmed negotiation and no indication that either London club will act in January.