Pep Guardiola is said to be urging Manchester City to sign Lautaro Rivero, a highly rated River Plate defender as the Sky Blues continue to plan for the next phase of their squad development.
According to Fichajes, the City manager views the Argentine centre-back as a player capable of fitting seamlessly into his tactical system, although the club are not the only suitors monitoring the 22-year-old.
Manchester City have become increasingly proactive in the transfer market, particularly when it comes to identifying emerging talent from South America and across Europe.
The club’s recruitment strategy has shifted towards younger profiles with long-term potential, and Rivero appears to fit that model perfectly.
Guardiola is believed to be personally keen on the defender and has told Manchester City to sign Lautaro Rivero by exploring a possible deal.
The Catalan coach has made no secret of his desire to refresh certain areas of his squad. After several seasons of domestic dominance, City are entering a period in which some established figures may gradually be replaced by a new generation.
Guardiola continues to examine every department of his team, and the defensive unit is thought to be one of his main priorities.
City recently moved to strengthen their back line with the arrival of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, a signing that many observers interpreted as the first step in a wider overhaul.
More changes could follow in the coming transfer windows, particularly with doubts surrounding the futures of a number of senior defenders.
John Stones’ long-term position at the club remains unclear following injury problems and fluctuating form, while Nathan Ake has been linked with a possible exit at the end of the season.
If Ake were to move on, Guardiola would be keen to bring in another left-footed central defender to maintain balance in his defensive options. Rivero has therefore emerged as one of the leading candidates on City’s shortlist.
Those who have followed Rivero’s progress in Argentina describe him as a modern centre-back comfortable in possession and capable of stepping into midfield when required.
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His composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back are qualities that align closely with Guardiola’s philosophy. City believe he could develop into a long-term solution at the heart of their defence.
River Plate are in a strong negotiating position, however, as the defender’s contract runs until December 2028. Any club hoping to prise him away from Buenos Aires is likely to face a significant transfer fee, and the Argentine giants are under no pressure to sell in the immediate future.
Premier League rivals also monitoring 22-year-old
Despite the club that Guardiola urged Manchester City to sign Lautaro Rivero, several other English clubs are understood to be keeping a close eye on the defender’s situation.
Tottenham Hotspur have previously been credited with tracking the defender and could return to the market for a left-sided centre-back either to provide competition or as a contingency plan should Micky van de Ven attract offers from elsewhere.
For Tottenham, the prospect of offering Rivero regular first-team football might be a persuasive argument.
The north London club have shown a willingness to invest in young South American talent in recent years, and they could present a clearer pathway to immediate Premier League action than City, where competition for places is fierce.
Aston Villa are another side reported to be interested. Under Unai Emery, Villa have targeted players capable of raising the technical level of the squad, and Rivero’s style is said to appeal to their recruitment team.
The Midlands club have demonstrated growing ambition in the transfer market and may see the Argentine as a strategic addition.
