Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
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Tottenham face blow in race for Argentine ‘sensation’ as Chelsea enter race

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Tottenham now face a potential blow in their pursuit of Lautaro Rivero, with Chelsea now showing interest in the River Plate defender.

This comes from River Noticias on 9 November, with the 22-year-old’s stock continuing to increase. 

Tottenham have been linked to Rivero multiple times throughout the past month, with the centre-back impressing in Argentina.

However, with Chelsea now having the defender on their radar, it could put a halt to Spurs’ plans.

Lautaro Rivero warming up for River Plate
Lautaro Rivero is subject to heavy interest from the Premier League (Credit: Imago)

River Plate remain firm despite Lautaro Rivero interest

River Plate face a massive battle if they want to keep hold of their upcoming star.

It was reported just last month that, alongside Spurs’ interest, the City Group had entered preliminary contact for Rivero.

Now, with Chelsea joining the race for the Argentine international, Tottenham could find themselves priced out of the battle for his signature.

River Plate already have a £86.7million release clause in his contract, with Rivero believed to be “causing a sensation” among the big clubs in Europe.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank applauds after a game with a stern expression on his face.
Thomas Frank is preparing for the upcoming transfer window (Credit: Imago)

Yet, despite this, the report claims that River Plate have no intention of letting their star man go.

Do Tottenham need Rivero?

As good as Rivero is, the question remains should the North London club splash the cash on the upcoming centre-back.

Micky van de Ven is still only 24 years old and has been great for Tottenham this season, while Cristian Romero is 27 years old.

On top of this, Luka Vuskovic has been fantastic while on loan at Hamburg, is actually four years younger than Rivero.

When comparing the two young centre-backs’ stats, the Spurs loanees’ is far more impressive this season, according to Fotmob on 10 November.

Stats this season per 90 minutes in the league Luka VuskovicLautaro Rivero
Duels won 71.7%68.2%
Aerial duels won 86.7%63.5%
Blocked shots 1.620.55
Tackles 0.631.92
Recoveries 4.383.39
Dribbled past 0.500.27
Vuskovic beats Rivero in multiple stats

Therefore, Thomas Frank may do better investing his money elsewhere and instead look to integrate Vuskovic into Tottenham’s first team next season. 

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Luka Vuskovic
Lautaro Rivero
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