“I’m trying to think about here,” he said. “Now, I’m playing for Atlanta United. This is the most important for me. It’s a big club that wants me, but I’m try to think here.”

Should Gonzalez Pirez be sold, Atlanta United has some cover at centerback with Miles Robinson and Franco Escobar. However, with the number of games the team is facing with the CONCACAF Champions League, league season and U.S. Open Cup, depth would still be a concern.

Gonzalez Pirez finished fourth in last year’s MLS Defender of the Year voting after making 32 starts during the regular season for the league champs. A mix of toughness and skill, Gonzalez Pirez has formed a strong partnership with Michael Parkhurst in the center of Atlanta United’s backline. Gonzalez Pirez has made 64 starts in the past two seasons after being purchased from Estudiantes in Argentina.

Gonzalez Pirez grew up playing in the academy of River Plate, Boca Junior’s fiercest rival. He made 38 appearances for the River Plate’s first team from 2011-15. He indicated that it wouldn’t be a problem to play for Boca Juniors should an agreement be reached with Atlanta United.

“This is a job,” he said. “It’s a big challenge for me in my career. Of course, I would take it.”