Chelsea transfer target Ian Subiabre will not be involved in River Plate’s fixture against Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores, according to journalist German Belcarce.

The La Nacion reporter said that the teenager’s failure to agree a contract extension has led to him being dropped from the first-team squad:

“Ian Subiabre has not yet resolved his contract with River Plate. For now, he’s out of the match against Palmeiras.”

Subiabre’s current deal expires in 15 months, and while there were reports suggesting that negotiations were moving in the right direction, it appears that there is still major obstacles to overcome.

One of the main sticking points appears to be the size of the release clause. River Plate want a buyout fee as high as €100m (£87.3m), but Subiabre’s agent Claudio Caniggia wants a figure much lower than that.

Chelsea have made enquiries for the winger

Website Soy Del Millo claim that Subiabre has “received recent calls” from both the Blues and Barcelona about a potential transfer.

At the moment, neither team have made formal offers for the 18-year-old, but an approach in January is possible if the player doesn’t resolve his contract dispute before then.

What do fans need to know about Subiabre?

The Argentinian Under 20 international can play right across the front three, but he is most comfortable playing from the right wing and cutting in onto his stronger left foot.

Subiabre turned heads whilst playing for Argentina at the Under 20 South American Championship at the start of this year, scoring 3 times in 8 matches.

For River Plate, the youngster has made four appearances off the bench during this year’s Copa Libertadores. He was an unused substitute during the quarter-final first leg against Palmeiras, which his side lost 2-1. However, he won’t be in the matchday squad for the return fixture.

Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here