River accelerates for Luciano Gondou: open negotiations and the player's approval

River's current football situation remains concerning and has highlighted the need for a deep renewal, especially in the attacking front. With a season ending marked by inconsistent performances and a goal drought, the management has already started moving in search of reinforcements that are up to the club's standards. In this context, one of the names that has gained traction in recent hours is Luciano Gondou, for whom the club has opened negotiations.

According to journalist Germán García Grova, the Millonario initiated formal contacts for the Zenit Saint Petersburg striker, and the player himself gave the green light for the operation to move forward. The first steps were led by Mariano Barnao, Marcelo Gallardo's right-hand man, who brought up the striker's name and is leading the talks to try to finalize the transfer.

Gondou's family circle confirmed that there was a first verbal approach, for now informally, and that the intention would be to move toward a loan. However, there is still no official offer from the Millonario, so the coming weeks will be key to determining whether the player can join the squad in 2026.

The interest in Gondou is not coincidental, since in recent days he has become a trend among fans, who see him as an ideal alternative to revitalize an attack that has lost its edge. Both Sebastián Driussi, Facundo Colidio, and Miguel Borja have been experiencing a goal-scoring slump, which is why the club is looking to add options with presence in the box.

An old acquaintance of the club

Gondou is not a stranger to River. He joined the club in 2019 to be part of the youth teams and played in the 2020 U-20 Copa Libertadores. Later, he played in the Reserves, but since the purchase option was not exercised, he returned to Sarmiento, where he had been developed. His next step took him to Argentinos Juniors, the club that eventually transferred him to Europe.

Zenit invested 13 million dollars to sign him, and the striker replied with a solid first season: 10 goals in 23 matches in the Russian league. Currently, his level is not the same; he has scored two goals in 20 appearances this season, and River will seek to take advantage of that situation to try to bring him back.