Aston Villa and Man City Scout River Plate's £86m-Rated Goalkeeper Beltran

Aston Villa and Manchester City have reportedly sent scouts to monitor River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltran, with both Premier League clubs weighing up a future move for the 21-year-old shot-stopper. Aston Villa and Manchester City already refreshed their goalkeeping ranks over the summer, but neither side appears finished shaping their long-term plans between the posts.

Unai Emery brought in Japan international Zion Suzuki as a long-term successor to Emiliano Martinez, while Enzo Maresca sanctioned the signing of Geronimo Rulli to sit behind Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium. Villa still have veteran Marco Bizot as backup cover, and Rulli’s long-term status at City remains unclear, which explains why fresh options are already being explored.

Who is Santiago Beltran?

According to Argentine outlet El Transigente, Beltran has become a target for both English clubs, with scouts dispatched to track his performances for River Plate. The goalkeeper currently carries a release clause of £18.2m, though River Plate are working to lock him down on new terms that would push his buy-out figure to £86m. That number would put an immediate deal out of reach for both Villa and City.

Beltran has made 38 senior appearances for River Plate, recording 15 clean sheets along the way. He earned his first cap for Argentina in June, coming on in the 81st minute of a friendly against Honduras. His current contract runs until December 2027, a timeline that has pushed River Plate to open talks over an extension now rather than risk losing leverage later.

The competition for his signature stretches beyond the Premier League. Atletico Madrid, Real Betis and Benfica are also said to be tracking Beltran ahead of a possible move next year.

How will Beltran handle Premier League interest?

With only 38 senior appearances to his name, Beltran may not be rushing toward a switch to Europe just yet. A move in 2027 would need to come with assurances over playing time, especially given his ambition to eventually challenge Emiliano Martinez for Argentina’s number one shirt.

Walking away from River Plate any time soon also seems unlikely. Beltran rose through the academy system to become a key figure at one of Argentina’s biggest clubs, and that kind of standing rarely gets traded away lightly. Stick with TipsGG for the latest on this goalkeeper chase and every major transfer story shaping the Premier League.