Fulham is emerging as one of the clubs to watch in the developing market for Rodrigo Riquelme, “with TeamTalk reporting that the west London side are leading Premier League interest in the Real Betis winger ahead of January.”
The 26-year-old has attracted attention across Europe, “with Fulham’s need for extra quality in wide areas gives this story a particularly relevant edge.”
Under Manuel Pellegrini, the player has returned “three goals and two assists from 14 appearances so far”, according to the report.
This form has helped him become “one of the first names on the LaLiga side’s teamsheet.”
The report states that “Fulham and Coventry City are among those tracking the Real Betis attacker.”
Several Serie A clubs are also in the frame, “with Roma, Napoli, Lazio and Como having all checked on the Madrid-born winger.”
Furthermore, there have already been “preliminary enquiries about a possible move in January.”
For Fulham, the attraction is clear because the club are “assessing options to strengthen their wide areas, and Riquelme has been identified as a potential fit.”
However, this transfer pursuit is far from straightforward, “with Betis relaxed and under no pressure to sell.”
The Spanish club currently value Riquelme at “a minimum of 20 million euros, which is approximately 17 million pounds or 22.5 million dollars.”
With a contract running until 2030, “they hold a strong position.”
Any potential negotiation carries an extra layer of complexity “because Atletico Madrid still retain 50 per cent of the player’s economic rights.”
Consequently, “any deal would require agreement from both Betis and Atletico.”
Sources indicate that Betis “remain calm about his situation and have shown no plans to part with a player who has gradually established himself as a key member of Pellegrini’s XI.”
The report notes that “it is likely to be difficult to move him on in January, and should a move not happen, his future will likely be decided in the summer.”