According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea are ready to accelerate their pursuit of Lautaro Rivero ahead of January. The River Plate defender is seen as a big target for the Blues, who are confident of beating competition such as Atletico Madrid for the centre-back.
River Plate have a fight on their hands ahead of January in a bid to keep hold of their rising defensive star Lautaro Rivero. The 22-year-old Argentine defender has been a sensational presence for the team, and the South American side have done well to extend his deal and include a release clause worth a reported €100 million.
The focus is to either keep hold of Rivero or get the best possible value for their next prized asset. Back in the summer, River Plate felt they sold teenager Franco Mastantuono on the cheap to Real Madrid, and they do not want to repeat the same mistake with Rivero.
Hence, they are expecting some of the interested clubs to stump up a big fee to secure the 22-year-old Argentine defender. Atletico Madrid are preparing a bid in the region of €20 million, which may not be enough, but the Spanish side are set to make an attempt nonetheless and get negotiations with River Plate underway.
Chelsea are also interested in Lautaro Rivero, and they now appear to view Rivero as a top defensive target ahead of January. The West Londoners are not deterred by the massive release clause in his contract, and are willing to make a compelling offer to get a deal in place ahead of the competition, including Atletico Madrid.
River Plate will demand a significant sum, although they are probably aware that no interested party will stump up the €100 million release clause. Given there are more clubs in the mix, including the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid, the Argentine giants are confident of getting the best possible value for the defender.
Chelsea are ready to place themselves in pole position for the defender and get negotiations underway. Atletico Madrid remain seriously interested, but their financial limitations could restrict movements towards completing a deal for Rivero ahead of January.
