Benfica are monitoring Lautaro Rivero, a 22-year-old Argentinian, left-footed centre-back from River Plate, whose departure in the summer is considered very likely. Roma, Chelsea, and Udinese are also mentioned as other interested clubs. It is reported that Benfica's management is seeking defensive alternatives for the next season, as Nicolás Otamendi's contract is ending and he is a probable target for River Plate. The Portuguese club is said to be in a phase of observation and exploratory contacts and has not yet made any formal proposals for players. The defender has one cap for Argentina, a contract with River Plate that is valid until the end of 2029, and a current market value estimated by Transfermarkt at €7 million. A report from May 2026 suggested that Roma intends to propose a transfer fee of approximately €20 million, while it was indicated in early 2026 that River Plate expects a sale for more than €30 million.