Fiorentina are beginning to assess their long-term options in goal, with David De Gea's performances prompting the club to consider potential replacements. One name attracting attention is River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, who is emerging as an interesting prospect in South American football.
The 22-year-old Argentine has come onto Fiorentina's radar as the club considers how to plan for the future of its goalkeeping position. De Gea has enjoyed a distinguished career, but his recent performances have come under scrutiny and the Italian club are looking at alternatives.
Beltrán's potential appeal extends beyond Florence. According to Diario AS, Atlético Madrid have also included the River Plate goalkeeper among the candidates they are monitoring as they prepare for the eventual succession of Jan Oblak.
The Slovenian has been a central figure at Atlético for 12 seasons and remains under contract until 2028. However, the club are understood to be looking ahead and assessing possible successors rather than waiting until the final stages of his contract.
The interest from European clubs has encouraged River Plate to consider how best to protect their position. The Argentine side have reportedly opened discussions with Beltrán's representatives over a new contract, with the intention of extending his current agreement and increasing the protection against a potential transfer.
River are understood to be considering a release clause worth more than €100 million, a figure designed to discourage interested clubs from attempting to secure the goalkeeper for a relatively modest fee.
Beltrán's contract situation and the level of interest from Europe mean that any potential move is unlikely to be straightforward. Fiorentina and Atlético are both assessing their options, while River are keen to retain one of their promising young players.
For Fiorentina, the search is linked to uncertainty over De Gea's longer-term future. The club must decide whether to continue with the experienced Spaniard or begin planning for a new goalkeeper who could take over in the coming seasons.
Beltrán is one of the names now being considered, although there is no indication that an agreement has been reached or that River have received a formal offer. Atlético's interest adds another potential competitor should the Argentine goalkeeper become available.
The situation remains at the monitoring and negotiation stage, with River focused on securing Beltrán's future and the European clubs continuing to assess whether he could become a long-term solution in goal.