Argentina manager confirms interest in poaching rising La Liga talent from Spain

Buenos Aires — Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has publicly entered the tug-of-war over Sevilla’s breakout wide man Joaquin Martinez Gauna, confirming that the 22-year-old—known in Andalusia simply as Oso—has been placed on the Albiceleste’s growing watch-list.

Born in Spain to Argentine parents, Oso holds dual nationality and has yet to represent either country at any youth level, leaving his international future officially up for grabs. Scaloni removed any ambiguity about Argentina’s intentions in an interview published Monday by Diario AS.

“We’ve watched several of Oso’s matches and he’s played very well,” Scaloni said. “He’s on a list of players we’re monitoring. He’s eligible for selection.”

The timing of the declaration is no accident. Oso has emerged as one of La Liga’s most dynamic flank players in 2026, registering one goal and three assists in 16 senior appearances for Sevilla, seven of those coming as league starts. His lone goal and two assists arrived in a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona earlier this month, while his pinpoint cross in the Seville derby helped salvage a late point against Real Betis only two weeks earlier.

Although originally groomed as a left-back in Sevilla’s academy, former manager Matias Almeyda—dismissed last week—redeployed the youngster as an attacking left winger, a role in which his direct running and final-third delivery have quickly caught the eye of scouts across Europe.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has so far remained silent on Oso’s potential, and no call-up to any La Roja squad has materialised, leaving the path clear for Argentina to make the first move.

While the international picture crystallises, Sevilla are scrambling to secure their asset on a new contract. Oso’s current deal runs until 2027, but club officials fear that failure to extend terms before the summer window could leave Los Nervionenses vulnerable to cut-price offers. With the Andalusians locked in a relegation battle, the winger is expected to start the remaining fixtures as both club and country weigh his long-term value.

For now, Oso’s immediate focus will be on guiding Sevilla to safety, but the spotlight on his international allegiance is unlikely to dim any time soon.