Brighton scout Vicente Pizarro as River Plate and Boca enter race

Brighton have stepped up their interest in Rosario Central midfielder Vicente Pizarro, but the race for his signature is becoming more complicated as major clubs in Argentina position themselves for a potential move.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. in recent weeks, with reports in Argentina confirming the club have sent scouts to watch him in action.

But while the Premier League remains an attractive option, fresh developments suggest staying in South America is now a serious alternative.

According to Argentine journalist Rodrigo Vera, Brighton’s interest is genuine, but the player could still move domestically if a deal with England does not materialise.

That shifts the transfer landscape and puts added pressure on Brighton’s recruitment team heading into the summer.

Brighton’s scouting model has built a reputation for identifying emerging talent before the market fully develops.

Pizarro appears to fit that profile.

Rodrigo Vera confirmed on DSPORTS that Brighton representatives were present at Rosario Central’s most recent fixture, underlining the club’s active interest.

That follows previous reports suggesting Brighton had been closely monitoring the midfielder’s development over recent months.

Pizarro has impressed with his composure in possession, work rate and tactical discipline, qualities Brighton often prioritise in central midfield recruitment.

Having watched Brighton’s transfer strategy evolve over recent seasons, their focus on technically secure midfielders has been consistent, particularly with younger profiles who can develop into Premier League-level players.

However, much will depend on how quickly Brighton are willing to move.

The most significant development is the growing belief that Pizarro will leave Rosario Central in the next transfer window regardless of whether Brighton complete a deal.

Vera suggested that if England does not become his next destination, a move to one of Argentina’s major clubs is firmly on the table.

His “stripe” reference was widely understood in Argentina as pointing towards Club Atlético River Plate or Boca Juniors.

Both remain major domestic destinations for players seeking a bigger platform without leaving South America.

For Brighton, that creates a new challenge.

A move to one of Argentina’s elite clubs would likely increase Pizarro’s market value and make future negotiations more expensive.

That changes the urgency.

Brighton’s next move will likely depend on internal recruitment priorities and whether they decide Pizarro is ready for an immediate Premier League step.

At the same time, Argentina’s bigger clubs could formalise their interest once the domestic season reaches its next phase.

That creates a limited window for Brighton to act on the information they have gathered.

If no deal happens now, Pizarro may still remain on their radar, but under very different market conditions.