Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea look set to beat Barcelona to the signature of Argentine attacking sensation Ian Subiabre.
Chelsea and Barcelona are both keen on acquiring the services of Ian Subiabre. Both clubs are quite impressed with the Argentine youth international’s impressive rise and could be involved in a bidding war for him. According to a report by DSports, the Blues could end up beating the Catalan giants to his signature.
Subiabre has come up the ranks at River Plate. He got promoted to their first team at the start of 2024 and has only gone from strength to strength since. He made quite a name for himself during his days with their youth team and has further enhanced his reputation with his performances in the Argentine top flight.
So far, he has been involved in a total of 22 matches and has contributed towards four goals. While he has only started in a handful of games, his impressive cameos have already placed him on the radar of multiple top clubs in Europe. The 18-year-old winger was one of the standout performers for Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup.
He is seen as one of the brightest young talents in Argentina, and clubs are ready to lure him away. Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in a record-breaking deal, but it seems Subiabre’s potential departure could now become the most expensive transfer in Torneo Clausura’s history.
The teenager recently signed a new deal that runs until December 2028, and it also has a €100 million release clause. Given how highly River Plate rate him, only a massive financial offer could result in his departure.
European giants to battle for Subiabre
Chelsea and Barcelona are the biggest suitors for his signature. Both clubs are constantly on the lookout for young players with massive potential, and the Argentine youth international certainly fits the bill.
The Catalan giants see him as a strategic investment for the future, similar to what Mastantuono is for Real Madrid. While they do have a strong pull, they will have to battle it out with the London club.
Chelsea are closely monitoring him, and they consider him an ideal fit for their project, which revolves around signing the best young players. The report suggests the Blues could end up winning the race for his signature.