Aston Villa are among the clubs pursuing River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero, who is valued at £18 million and has reportedly discussed a move with Emi Martinez.
Aston Villa is actively pursuing a deal for £18 million-rated River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero, according to a report from El Intransigente. The centre-back, 22, has drawn significant interest from top European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.
Villa’s potential “secret weapon” in securing the highly-rated defender is their Argentine goalkeeper, Emi Martinez. The report adds that Rivero has “spoken with Emi Martinez about a potential switch to Villa Park.”
Rivero, who has one cap for his country, could be seen by manager Unai Emery as a key player to boost his defensive department.
The 22-year-old has spent his entire career at River Plate, breaking into the first team in 2024 and making 16 competitive appearances since.
He is highly-rated in Argentina, having penned a new three-year deal in July, keeping him under contract until 2028.
Emery’s side, who have recently risen into the top four in the Premier League, may face a difficult battle for his signature, especially against the allure of Real Madrid.
If Rivero joins, he would provide crucial competition and depth for current Villa defenders like Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.
The report warns that, as with any acquisition from South America, “patience would be required if he joined whilst he settled into life in England.” Villa will be hoping Martinez’s influence helps sway the defender ahead of the January transfer window.