The 22-year-old is a key figure in River Plate's system and represents an opportunity for Atletico that combines present-day quality with long-term potential. A transfer is not expected to come in below €10m, a fee the Madrid club can absorb relatively comfortably.
Real Sociedad have been tracking Rivero for some time, while Udinese, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund have also thrown their hats into the ring for the River Plate defender, meaning the coming weeks look set to prove decisive in the battle for his signature.
AS adds further detail on his profile, describing him as "left-footed, standing at 1.85m, and a centre-back who can also play on the right side of a defence. A player who reads interceptions well and has good range with the ball. Sources in Argentina say Simeone has been following him for months already and would be the first to push for him to join Atletico."
There is no doubt, the report adds, about the Metropolitano's interest in the defender.
Rivero made 39 appearances for River Plate last season, scoring two goals and providing an assist while playing more than 3,300 minutes across the league, cup and continental competitions, form that has established him as one of the most reliable centre-backs in Argentine football. He is under contract at El Monumental until 2029, giving River a strong negotiating position even as several of Europe's leading clubs circle.
Atletico Madrid's interest comes after the club has already invested close to €100m this summer on the arrivals of Alejandro Grimaldo and Morten Hjulmand, with Simeone keen to further reinforce his backline before the new season begins.
The Argentine's ability to play on either side of a central defensive pairing, along with his composure in possession, has made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in South American football this year. With interest also emerging from Mexico's Tigres UANL earlier in the window, River Plate look well placed to command a healthy fee whichever club ultimately wins the race for his signature.