Atletico Madrid have become synonymous with signing Argentine players during Diego Simeone’s tenure as manager, and in 2025 total, they brought three to the RiyadhAir Metropolitano (Juan Musso, Thiago Almada and Nicolas Gonzalez). Next summer, there could be another on the way.
In the last two years, Atleti have made big-money signings at centre-back, with Robin Le Normand and David Hancho having arrived in 2024 and 2025 respectively. However, it is expected that the position will be addressed again in 2026, considering that there are doubts about Jose Maria Gimenez’s future.
Gimenez, who was linked with an exit during the recent transfer window, has yet to feature for Atleti in a competitive match this season, as he has been struggling with an injury. Given that he is now 30, there is a good chance that a replacement is sought next summer, and one possible target has now been lined up.
According to reports in Argentina (via MD), Atleti are leading the race to sign Lautaro River. The 21-year-old, who was called up to Los Albiceleste’s squad for the October international break, has impressed for River Plate since returning to the club from a successful loan spell at Central Cordoba de Santiago.
Atleti won’t get any help from release clause
In the wake of Franco Mastantuono’s summer move to Real Madrid, River have been very keen to protect their most valuable assets by giving them expensive release clauses, and their young defender falls into this category. River has a release clause valued at €100m, meaning that Atleti will find it difficult to sign him if the Argentine club do not play ball.
It remains to be seen whether Atleti step up their pursuit of River in the coming months, but at 21, he would be a top addition for the present and future.
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