Tottenham Hotspur ‘dream’ of a centre-back partnership of Cristian Romero and Lautaro Rivero, according to El Desmarque.
Spurs are one of several clubs keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, who has been described as ‘one of the most promising centre-backs in Argentina.’
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However, there are two hurdles for the club to overcome if it wants to secure the highly rated Rivero.
Firstly, the Tottenham target has a contract with River Plate until 2028, with a €100 million release clause.
Also, he is garnering interest from Atletico Madrid, known shoppers in the Argentine market, and city rivals Real Madrid, who want a replacement for Antonio Rudiger.
The Madrid duo will reportedly provide stern competition for his signature.
Spurs have been signing promising talents such as Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, and Luka Vuskovic over the past few windows.
Rivero could be their next target, although it remains difficult to see him usurping Micky van de Ven’s place in the starting XI.
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He could benefit from a loan with Kevin Danso right behind the pair in the pecking order. Kota Takai is also bidding to bounce back from his injury setbacks and prove his mettle.
Tottenham could use the funds elsewhere
Spurs already have ample cover at centre-back.
Between Romero, Van de Ven, Danso, Vuskovic, and the returning Takai, Thomas Frank has a stable of defenders with both present ability and long-term upside.
Rivero might be an exciting name, but he’s a luxury rather than a necessity.
If Tottenham are serious about taking the next step, any available funds should be channelled into genuine ceiling-raisers in areas of urgent need.
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The first team is crying out for a high-end left winger who can break games open.
They also need a proper centre-forward to lead the line and a midfielder capable of dictating contests at the top level.
Strengthening those positions will move Spurs forward far more than adding yet another promising centre-back.
