Chelsea have tracked Ian Subiabre for over a year, and the situation around the River Plate winger is beginning to change again after a new suitor emerged. One of them is Arsenal.
The Blues were already in a good position. They held talks with his camp and considered a deal through 2025 when his contract situation looked uncertain. Since then, the picture has evolved. However, the opportunity has not disappeared – and may now become even more apparent.
Subiabre is no longer just a name on the scouting list. He is starting to establish himself at the senior level in Argentina and that has changed the face of this race.
Increasing role on the River Plate
The 19-year-old winger has quietly built momentum in recent months. After a slow start to the year, where he struggled for minutes, his role has expanded under successive managers. That's what has attracted Chelsea, Arsenal and others.
He has now started four consecutive matches and recently completed the full 90 minutes in the first team for the first time. This alone marks a change in trust.
So far in 2026, Ian Subiabre has:
- scored his first goal of the calendar year
- Registered assists in two consecutive matches during a transitional period between managers
- Become a regular attacking option on the left
Their numbers in crude production last year were marginal. He played for 549 minutes in 18 appearances, with no final result. Nevertheless, Rivers continued to pursue him internally as a long-term asset.
Now the main change is the effect. He is gaining touches, taking on defenders and being used more consistently in attacking build-up phases.
Manager Eduardo Cudet has placed him wide on the left, where he can attack space and cut inside. This role suits his profile – direct, quick and aggressive in one-on-one situations.
Contract status and internal stance
As noted, River Plate has already moved to protect itself hail.
After complex negotiations involving the intervention of agent Claudio Caniggia and the Argentine FA, the winger signed a new deal until December 2028. The release clause is €100m (£87m).
Despite that statistic, the club has shown a willingness to listen. He recently rejected an offer of around €10m (£8.7m) from Turkish side Trabzonspor, which was considered well below expectations. Barcelona's earlier approach was also rejected.
Internally the message is clear. Rivers wants to play, develop and increase his value before making any big decisions.
His agent has publicly supported that plan. The idea is to allow Ian Subiabre to fully establish himself in the first team before potentially considering a move in the summer window.
"Eduardo Coudet is counting on him a lot for the future, but he knows the player is interested in making the jump to Europe in the short term. We don't know what Subiabre's decision will be," He wrote in Argentina.
The player himself has tried to calm the situation by saying that he is focused on Rivers and the time left on his contract.
Arsenal joins chasing Chelsea
This has not stopped Premier League interest from being intense.
Chelsea remains one of the most active clubs in this story. Their long-term interest, combined with aggressive recruitment of young South American talent, keeps them firmly in the frame.
At the same time, Arsenal has now joined the talks for the first time.
Other reports from Argentina Indications are that both London clubs are among a long list of teams keeping a close eye on Subiabre. Inter Milan is the latest to increase its tracking, while Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring developments.
There is growing acceptance that the winger wants to make the jump to Europe in the short term. This is a major detail.
what happens next
The situation remains a familiar one for Chelsea. They have already done the ground work on the player. They understand the contractual landscape and potential price ranges. The important thing is that they know a deal well below the €100m (£87m) clause is realistic.
The emergence of Arsenal adds a new layer. They are more selective in this market, but their presence often indicates serious scouting conviction rather than opportunism.
Still, time can decide everything. Nadi does not want to sell immediately. Players need minutes. Its value is still being formed. However, interest is growing rapidly and the list of clubs involved is constantly growing.
If Ian Subiabre maintains his current trajectory, it won't be quiet for long. And for Chelsea, it looks like a race they are already preparing for.
🇧🇷Breno Bidon | Europe's dream
➡️ Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United keen
💬 "I dream of playing in Europe. It's been a dream since I was a kid. To play in the Champions League. I don't know when that moment will come, but I have that desire."https://t.co/eTjOrj0qq8- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 28 February 2026
