Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have reportedly regularly scouted 17-year-old Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono in action for River Plate.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Franco Mastantuono is the subject of interest from Real Madrid, with the Merengues expressing their attraction for him. Meanwhile, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have regularly scouted the 17-year-old wonderkid. The teenage sensation has a release clause worth £35 million in his contract with River Plate.
The rapid rise of Franco Mastantuono
Franco Mastantuono has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at River Plate. A native of Azul, the teenage sensation began his youth career at River de Azul before spending some time with Club Cemento. The youngster has been with River Plate since 2019 and has come leaps and bounds in the last half a dozen years.
The 17-year-old broke into the first-team squad at River Plate at the onset of the 2024 season to become the third-youngest debutant for River Plate. Since then, Mastantuono has come leaps and bounds, turning out nearly 50 times while chipping in with four goals and four assists. The highly-rated playmaker’s progress has not gone unnoticed, alerting high-profile clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.
High in demand
Widespread reports have also suggested that Manchester United are ready to trigger the Argentine prodigy’s release clause. However, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have regularly scouted the young playmaker. The Blues’ push is hardly surprising, considering they have been active in the South American market for highly-rated prospects.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool need an injection of creativity in their offensive units. So, Franco Mastantuono has emerged as a viable target for Liverpool and Arsenal. The three Premier League clubs should also have the funds to afford a deal worth £35 million to sign the River Plate whizkid.
However, with Real Madrid expressing an interest in the Argentine wonderkid, the three Premier League clubs have fallen behind in the chase. The reigning La Liga champions constantly scour the South American market for highly-rated prodigies, with Endrick being the latest whizkid from the continent to reinforce their first-team squad.
Apart from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid, Mastantuono is also a target for FC Barcelona. So, it will be interesting to see where the 17-year-old playmaker lands, considering each suitor should have the funds to afford a deal worth £35 million.
