Rumors out of Argentina popped up last week that Atlanta United were very interested in acquiring center back Leandro Gonzalez Pirez from Estudiantes. The reports varied from strong interest all the way to done deal.

FourFourTwo’s Paul Tenorio has confirmed the reports with MLS sources that the club are indeed close to signing the 24-year-old defender. It’s unknown if the deal would be a permanent transfer or a loan.

Gonzalez Pirez moved to Estudiantes from CA Tigre on a free transfer in January 2016. You would assume a similar deal could be worked about for Atlanta considering he’s only appeared three times this season.

According to scouting reports, Gonzalez Pirez is a big and physical defender who is also good with the ball at his feet. Speed isn’t necessarily his game, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem if he’s partnered with a more mobile player like Michael Parkhurst, Zach Loyd, or the No. 2 overall SuperDraft pick Miles Robinson.

All signs point to this being the next big signing for Atlanta United. If it comes off, expect Gonzalez Pirez to be in contention to start against the Red Bulls on March 5th.