Richard Rios is a rumour that just won’t go away for Premier League outfit West Ham United, even if Fabrizio Romano believes the Palmeiras ace may have more high-profile clubs chasing his signature.
Already one of the most coveted midfielders in South America, the Colombia international has greatly enhanced his substantial reputation during Palmeiras’ impressive Club World Cup campaign.
A quarter-final with Chelsea looms on Saturday. Palmeiras finished top of their group in the opening phase before defeating Brazilian rivals Botafogo in the last-16. Rios, meanwhile, has caught the eye over in the USA with his fizzing long-range passes, his tenacity, and his eye-catching athleticism in the centre of the park.
Considering what Graham Potter is looking for in the market – West Ham reportedly rejected Martin Baturina before the talented but lightweight playmaker joined Como for £21 million – Richard Rios largely fits the bill.
Palmeiras ace Rios was linked with the Hammers for the first time back in October 2024. Eight months on, those rumours continue to hang in the air, though West Ham may face a battle with Inter Milan.
Fabrizio Romano claims Inter Milan move for West Ham United-linked Richard Rios
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Serie A and Champions League runners-up have made their move, albeit while keeping the door open to alternative targets.
Inter, still reeling from a 5-0 drubbing by Paris Saint-Germain the Champions League final, reportedly want Richard Rios to replace Hakan Calhanoglu at San Siro.
Turkey ace Calhanoglu has been linked with Galatasaray.
“Inter have moved, have asked for information,” Romano says, adding Lazio’s Nicolo Rovella to the shortlist of Nerazzurri targets. “We will see what the final list [of midfield options] will be.
“But anyway, a very interesting player. A very interesting profile. A player who has already been close to [moving to] Europe several times because he has done very well at Palmeiras.
“We’ll see if Inter choose this type of player, [with] a little more intensity. It could be Rovella, some other profile.”
West Ham made a bid for Richard Rios recently, according to Italian-based reporter Pasquale Guarro. That £21.5 million offer was allegedly rejected by a Palmeiras outfit also courting interest from Al-Hilal.
West Ham are in for El Hadji Malick Diouf as well, seeing a £17 million offer fall short for the Slavia Prague left-back. It appears that the Hammers are already putting plans in place to reinvest the sizeable sum they will bring in when Mohammed Kudus leaves, probably for rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
It is anticipated that Richard Rios’ future at Palmeiras will become clear once the Allianz Parque outfit are sent packing from the Club World Cup, potentially by Chelsea this weekend.
“The midfielder is one of the most popular players in South America,” Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola says. “He had already entered the sights of Porto, Sporting, Manchester United and Tottenham, among others.”
Nicola adds that Rios is valued closer to £34 million. Meaning there is a colossal gap between the fee Palmeiras want and the fee West Ham are reportedly putting forward.
“It is due to this great interest that Palmeiras dreams of a deal worth up to 40 million euros,” Nicola says. “There is a real chance of business from July, especially if the 40 million euros are reached.”
West Ham’s first-choice midfield target remains Raphael Onyedika, however.
Hammers News understands that head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay has approved deals for El Hadji Malick Diouf and Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, while identifying Club Brugge enforcer Onyedika as the ideal option to strengthen a sluggish engine room.
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