Chelsea are in picture to sign River Plate’s Ian Subiabre in the winter market, according to El Intransigente.
The Blues were credited with an interest in him last summer, but a transfer never took shape.
Back in April, the forward’s agent made a trip to London to hold talks with Chelsea over a summer move.
The 18-year-old was initially against the idea of renewing his contract beyond December 2026. This didn’t please River Plate.
They threatened not to release him for the U20 World Cup in September, unless he signed a new contract. The Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia had to intervene so that he signed an extension until with a €100m clause.
El Intransigente reports the relationship between the Chelsea target and River Plate is ‘somewhat strained’. Meanwhile, his game time has also not improved. Subiabre played 549 minutes from 18 matches this year.
Therefore, his agent is looking for offers to leave as soon as possible. Both River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo and manager Marcelo Gallardo have decided to sell if there’s a convincing offer.
Chelsea and Barcelona are named as the interested parties. The report states the two clubs have made approaches but are yet to formally open negotiations with River Plate.
Journalist Hernán Castillo explains how the Blues or another club can wrap up Subiabre’s signing quickly in January.
“If they come in with a decent offer, say €10 or €15m for a percentage of his transfer rights, Subiabre will be sold immediately. Right now, there are zero offers, but when one comes in, he’s gone,” he said, relayed by El Intransigente.
River Plate and the player both seem to be keen to part ways in the next window. Chelsea can take advantage of this situation to acquire his signature.