Premier League clubs target South American talents Freitas and Benedetti

Chelsea FC has emerged as a leading contender to sign Joaquin Freitas, a 19-year-old attacking talent from River Plate. The London club aims to strengthen its long-term offensive options and may facilitate a loan to RC Strasbourg following the transfer to provide the player with European experience.

While River Plate coach Eduardo Coudet has expressed concerns regarding the loss of the player, club president Stefano Di Carlo appears open to a sale during the summer. Freitas has shown significant progress, recording 11 goals and 3 assists in 34 reserve matches before breaking into the first team during the 2025/26 season.

In separate transfer activity, Crystal Palace is monitoring Palmeiras defender Luiz Benedetti. Although the Brazilian player has a release clause of 100 million euros, Palmeiras may consider offers around 20 million euros to bolster their budget. Crystal Palace views him as a developmental prospect, though the club faces challenges in justifying the expenditure for a U-21 player given immediate squad needs.