Manchester United reportedly hold a “strong interest” in River Plate wonderkid Ian Subiabre but will face fierce competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea to capture the 18-year-old midfielder.
A Renewed Focus on Youth
The Red Devils have demonstrated a renewed commitment to securing the best young talent across the footballing globe since INEOS assumed control at Old Trafford last year.
The raid on the Emirates to capture first Chido Obi (17) then, six months later, Ayden Heaven (18) from Arsenal has been paired with the acquisitions of Sekou Kone (18) from Guidars FC in Mali and Diego Leon (17) from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño, demonstrating the sheer breadth of United’s approach.
And it’s one which INEOS will be hoping pays dividends in the near future as these talented youngsters continue their development in Manchester, rather than elsewhere with the club then forced to pay an astronomical fee for a player they could have signed for a fraction of the price a few years prior.
The Race for Subiabre
Subiabre has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in South America in recent months with the tricky winger’s performances for River Plate drawing attention from the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
The youngster only has a handful of appearances for Los Millonarios after being promoted to the first team following a strong season for the reserves. His skill and creativity shines through, however, possessing a dazzling ability with the ball and an innate confidence to take on defenders.
Chelsea were strongly linked with a move for the 18-year-old starlet as the London club continues its ambition to seemingly sign every winger in world football.
However, Subiabre has been on the radar of scouts at Old Trafford for some time now, with a report relayed by The Peoples Person a year ago revealing United’s interest in the young Argentine.
And it appears the interest has only strengthened in this time with Radio Continental reporter Sebastián Srur contending the Reds are tracking Subiabre closely: “Manchester United are very interested in the kid from Comodoro. The interest is strong.”
Cuento cosas de #Subiabre:
Por la info que manejo y salvo un imprevisto de últimomomento, va de titular mañana en Junin.
Y les cuento además que el @Arsenal y el #ManchesterUnited están muy interesados en el pibe de Comodoro. Es fuerte el interés.#River pic.twitter.com/XaeSttqxqT— Sebastián Srur (@Sebasrur) April 4, 2025
Translated Tweet: “I tell things about #Subiabre :From the information I have, and barring any last-minute unforeseen events, he’s set to start tomorrow in Junín. And I’ll also tell you that@Arsenal and #ManchesterUnited are very interested in the kid from Comodoro. The interest is strong. #River.”
Srur contends Arsenal hold Subiabre in a similarly high-regard with their interest also described as “strong”, meaning United face fierce competition from the blue and red sides of London.
It appears INEOS will have to move fast to trump their domestic rivals to sign the 18-year-old winger who is believed to be valued in the region of £20 million by River Plate.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
