Tottenham have been informed that they can only secure the signing of the Argentina international if they submit a bid worth £87 million.

Headline: Tottenham told they will only be able to sign Argentina international with £87 m bid

Tottenham are reportedly keeping close tabs on 21-year-old Argentine defender Lautaro Rivero from River Plate, whose contract contains a release clause of €100 million (≈ £87.1 million).

According to the Argentine outlet El Intransigente, River Plate fear that Tottenham — and Spanish side Atlético Madrid — could trigger the clause, making it an “unrejectable” offer.

The report frames the £87 m figure as the threshold for any approach: unless Tottenham match or exceed that number, the deal will likely not proceed.

Implications & Context:

For Tottenham, this is a significant financial commitment. Paying ~£87 m for a young centre-back indicates serious intent, but also risk.

River Plate appear to be in a weaker financial position, meaning they are more vulnerable to a clause being activated. This strengthens the leverage of the release clause.

Tottenham will need to consider whether the player’s development curve and long-term value justify the fee — and how this fits with their wider recruitment and wage structure.

It also suggests competition: Atlético Madrid are being mentioned, meaning Tottenham may face a race, increasing the urgency.

What to watch next:

Whether Tottenham formally submit a bid approaching or exceeding the £87 m mark.

If River Plate publicly or privately signal they will accept such an offer.

The player’s thoughts: will Lautaro Rivero push for the move, accept, or hold off?

How the move would fit into Tottenham’s strategy, especially given other transfer needs (and whether this will affect other targets).