Arsenal will reportedly compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid for 17-year-old River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, who costs around £47 million.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Franco Mastantuono is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are keen on bolstering their attack by signing a young playmaker. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old River Plate wonderkid is also a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the Argentine giants demanding £47 million to part ways with him.
The rapid rise of Franco Mastantuono
Franco Mastantuono has emerged as the latest Argentine wonderkid to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Azul, the teenage sensation has gone from strength to strength during his spell with River Plate, progressing through the ranks at the club before breaking into the first-team squad.
The 17-year-old made his first-team bow for River Plate at the onset of the 2024 season and has since made considerable progress in the senior squad. Mastantuono has already turned out 29 times thus far for the fabled club while chipping in with three goals and three assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of high-profile clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal.
High in demand
Barcelona and Real Madrid were among the first clubs to show interest in the teenage sensation. The two La Liga heavyweights regularly lock horns in the market for highly-rated prospects, recently duelling for the signatures of Endrick, Vitor Roque, and many others.
So, it is hardly surprising that Franco Mastantuono has emerged as a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid. Recent reports have suggested that the Merengues are the front-runners to sign the young attacking midfielder. However, Barcelona will likely have something to say about Real Madrid’s interest in the River Plate prodigy.
As for Arsenal, the 17-year-old wonderkid could compete with Martin Odegaard if a move can go through. In addition, Mastantuono can play on the right flank, making him an alternative to Bukayo Saka. So, the youngster is a viable target for Arsenal.
Meanwhile, the Argentine whizkid will not come cheap, with River Plate demanding around £47 million to part ways with him. Mastantuono will turn 18 next year, so he will likely move to Europe in less than 12 months, although it will be interesting to see where he lands.
