Arsenal and Chelsea have both held talks over signing River Plate’s 18‑year‑old winger Ian Subiabre ahead of summer. No formal offer yet—but the signal is loud according to Football Talk | Premier League News.
Subiabre burst into view at the recent South America U20 Championship, scoring three goals and guiding Argentina to a runners‑up finish.
Both London sides are monitoring him closely. Arsenal want to bolster their wing options; Chelsea, already committed to signing South American gems like Andrey Santos, Estêvão Willian, Kendry Páez and David Washington, see him as the next step in their youth-first strategy.
Subiabre’s price tag? A hefty €30 million (£24 million) release clause, valid until 2026 as per Transfermarkt. River Plate have indicated they’d cash in if met.
Subiabre is raw. Only four first-team appearances, one goal so far. But flashy: trickster dribbles, vision, agility—compared to Julián Álvarez by some Argentine analysts.
Chelsea have already met his agent in London, and could make decisive headway soon, according to reports. Talks “advance” quickly.
And Arsenal? They’ve begun early conversations too, tapping into their scouting pipeline that produced talents like Nwaneri and Lewis‑Skelly.
This race is fast‑unfolding. Arsenal offers a clear path to Europe and steady progression. Chelsea offers development alongside elite young South Americans. Two visions. One prize.
For Subiabre, the decision could define his trajectory: to push into England’s elite or join a conveyor‑belt of youthful promise.
But for the clubs, urgency reigns. Scouts have whispered the price. River Plate remain firm.
Only one club will win. And soon.