Franco Mastantuono, who has recently joined the Argentina national team following his first call-up, is at the center of intense speculation regarding his future. River Plate, his current club, has made it clear they intend to retain him until the end of the year. However, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is currently leading the charge to secure his transfer. In an intriguing turn of events, Real Madrid has also entered the race for the talented player.
Real Madrid was among the first elite European clubs to show interest in Mastantuono. Although their pursuit seemed to wane over recent months, reports from Europe suggest that the club has resumed contact to reassess the player’s situation. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano provided insights into this development, stating that while PSG remains the frontrunner, the situation is still fluid, and nothing has been finalized yet.
Romano emphasized Real Madrid’s long-standing interest in Mastantuono, noting that complications with agents previously stalled negotiations. Now, as circumstances have evolved, the club is actively exploring its options. With Luka Modric’s departure, Madrid may view Mastantuono as a promising candidate to bolster their squad. The club has reached out to ascertain whether PSG’s talks with River Plate have progressed to a conclusive stage. Importantly, there have been no formal offers directed towards either the player or River Plate at this time.
Amid this competition, the potential for a move hinges significantly on Mastantuono’s release clause, set at $45 million. River Plate is firm in their stance to only sell him if this clause is met, which could simplify negotiations for any interested parties. Romano highlighted that the presence of a buyout clause often accelerates deals, as it removes the need for prolonged discussions with the club.
Furthermore, PSG has reportedly dispatched representatives to South America to engage directly with Mastantuono and River Plate, aimed at clarifying the intricacies of the buyout clause. While discussions with PSG are reportedly advanced and the player is enthusiastic about the prospect of working under manager Luis Enrique, a definitive agreement is still pending.
Mastantuono’s rising profile in Europe showcases the growing recognition of young talent in football, ultimately inspiring hope for his promising career ahead no matter which club he ultimately joins.