Aston Villa are weighing a January move for River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltran as Unai Emery seeks to strengthen his options following Emiliano Martinez’s departure for Chelsea.
The 22-year-old Argentine has emerged as a potential long-term signing for the Premier League club, although Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid are also reported to be monitoring his situation.
Aston Villa track River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltran
Journalist Sebastián Srur has reported that Emery’s side are keeping a close watch on Beltran, who has established himself as an important figure at River Plate.
His progress has attracted interest from several European clubs, with his performances encouraging suitors to view him as a possible long-term investment between the posts.
River Plate are understood to value the goalkeeper at about €15 million. However, the Argentine club are working to extend his contract and raise his release clause to €100 million in an effort to protect their asset.
River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo is aware that retaining Beltran could prove difficult as interest from established European sides grows. The club would prefer to agree fresh terms before considering any departure.
River Plate have also begun assessing possible replacements should Beltran leave, with Flamengo’s Agustín Rossi and Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou among the names reportedly approved by the club’s hierarchy.
Aston Villa have yet to formalise their interest with an offer, but the January transfer window could provide Emery with an opportunity to pursue a promising young goalkeeper at a potentially affordable fee.
