Chelsea are reportedly preparing to step up their interest in yet another South American youngster ahead of the summer transfer window.
Having won just three of their last 12 matches in all competitions, the Blues find themselves down in seventh position in the Premier League table and out of the FA Cup.
With Enzo Maresca also having to contend with an array of various injury issues, it has become clear that senior additions will need to be made ahead of 2025-26.
However, two highly-regarded starlets will be linking up with the squad, Brazil international Estevao Willian and Ecuadorian star Kendry Paez due to be integrated into the fold once they have turned 18 years of age.
Although that could have theoretically led to more emphasis being placed on experience, it appears that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are not prepared to end their efforts to acquire prospects from that part of the world.
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Another Argentine to Stamford Bridge?
According to journalist Uriel Lugt, who was commenting on X, Chelsea are due to have a meeting with the representatives of River Plate attacker Ian Subiabre.
The report suggests that members of Chelsea's scouting team have been left impressed by the impact that the 18-year-old recently made for Argentina in the Under-20 South American Championship.
Three goals came from his eight appearances in the competition, the teenager featuring on both the right and left flanks as his nation finished second to Brazil.
A total of 58 minutes have been accumulated across four outings for River Plate having previously chipped in with seven strikes and eight assists from 30 games for River Plate II.
Argentine outlet Ole allege that Subiabre possesses a €30m (£24.88m) release clause in his contract, which lasts until the end of 2026.
Liverpool and Manchester City have also been credited as admirers of the playmaker, but Chelsea are seemingly most prepared to be proactive in the race for Subiabre's signature.
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Will Maresca be frustrated?
While Maresca is aware of Chelsea's business model, the Italian must surely feel that there will come a point when more focus needs to be placed on the here and now.
Aaron Anselmino and Mathis Amougou - formerly of Boca Juniors and Saint-Etienne respectively - have recently spent time on the substitutes' bench for Premier League fixtures with no experience of English football under their belts.
Deivid Washington has recently been loaned out to Santos when the Brazil Under-20 star could have plausibly deputised for the injured Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.
Chelsea already have a hatful of options in wide areas even before the arrivals of Estevao and Paez, making it questionable if Subiabre ever receives a pathway through to the first team.
The vast majority of Chelsea fans want to see more experienced options arrive at Chelsea, particularly in central defence and attack, rather than money invested in talent that may not represent Chelsea several years down the line.
Darren Plant
