Speaking in an interview with ABC, the businessman and executive chairman of Grupo Cox made the assertion without naming the players, but left little doubt about his intent to use the prospect of signings as a weapon in the campaign.
"There are deals done. I have two major international stars signed for Real Madrid. Two players, and we are working on the coaching side," Riquelme said.
He pressed the point when questioned further: "There is an agreement that if I become president of Real Madrid, two major international stars will play for the club. They are necessary for the sporting project of Real Madrid in the short, medium and long term."
Asked whether he would name the players within the next two weeks, Riquelme did not rule it out.
"Probably yes," he said.
The election is the first contested Real Madrid presidential ballot in 20 years. Pérez called the vote earlier this month following a second consecutive season without a major trophy, apparently seeking a mandate from the club's membership. The move backfired as a challenge the president's camp had not anticipated materialised.
Riquelme's candidacy was ratified by the club's electoral board after he formally submitted it in person at Madrid's Valdebebas training complex. He had previously expressed interest in standing against Pérez in 2021 but did not follow through.
On Saturday, Riquelme appeared at the Santiago Bernabeu for Madrid's final league game against Athletic Club wearing a club shirt bearing the name of departing captain Dani Carvajal — a deliberate act of public symbolism on the opening day of his visible campaign.
He also used a separate event in Valencia to criticise Pérez's record on Spanish players, noting that no Real Madrid player had been called up to Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad for the World Cup.
"It is a sad day for Real Madrid, with no players called up with Spain for the World Cup," he said. "The member should be able to hear different projects and decide which Madrid they want for the future."
The clubs Riquelme has reportedly spoken to in connection with his two claimed signings have not been identified. Whether the claims can be substantiated before polling day will now become a central question of the campaign — and a significant test of his credibility as a candidate.