Everton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz is attracting attention from Argentina this summer. However, fresh reporting has shed more light on exactly why River Plate have joined the race for his signature.
The 23-year-old has already been linked with a return to Racing, where he came through the academy and made 83 first-team appearances before moving to Europe.
We also covered reports that River Plate had contacted Everton to discuss Alcaraz and explore a potential deal. Now, Olé have added more detail. They explain the thinking behind the Argentine club’s interest.
River waiting on Almada
The Argentine newspaper explains that River’s main target remains Thiago Almada. However, the club are facing a complicated negotiation.
Atlético Madrid are reportedly asking for around €20m (£17m) for at least 50% of Almada’s rights. Because of this, River are having to wait and see how that situation develops. His involvement with Argentina at the World Cup could also influence the outcome.
Rather than putting all their eggs in one basket, River have started looking at alternatives and Alcaraz is one of the players they have identified.
The report says new sporting director Pablo Longoria is overseeing several negotiations in Europe. He has now turned his attention towards Everton as part of that work.
Manager Eduardo Coudet is understood to be a fan of Alcaraz’s profile, with his energy, versatility and long-term potential all viewed as major positives.
Everton situation catches River’s attention
Olé also explain why River believe there may be an opportunity. The newspaper highlights that the Everton midfielder appeared in four of the club’s final five Premier League games. However, he managed only 12 minutes in total across those appearances. That lack of involvement has not gone unnoticed in Argentina.
Everton paid Flamengo around €15m (£12.8m) to sign Alcaraz permanently. He remains under contract until June 2027, so any deal would still require negotiations with the Toffees.
However, Olé believe his reduced role could help open different avenues if River eventually decide to push ahead.
For now, Almada remains the priority. But the latest reporting makes it clear that Alcaraz has become a serious alternative rather than simply another name on a long shortlist.
That also adds an interesting twist to the story. Racing have already been linked with a move for a player who still has strong ties to the club he supports, yet one of their biggest rivals is now looking closely at whether Everton’s current situation with Alcaraz can be turned into a transfer opportunity.