Chelsea are ready to enter the race for 16-year-old River Plate star Franco Mastantuono to rival Manchester United and Real Madrid.
According to HITC, the interest in Franco Mastantuono keeps growing by the week as Chelsea are the latest to join the race for the 16-year-old Argentine whizkid. Manchester United and Real Madrid are also in the hunt, while Manchester City are considered front-runners for the starlet.
Chelsea in Franco Mastantuono chase
Franco Mastantuono is the latest attacking prodigy from River Plate to become an attraction for European clubs. The 16-year-old Argentine whizkid already has many top teams chasing his signature, as his contractual situation continues to make him a top option for the future.
Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are already in the hunt, as Mastantuono has a year left on his deal with River Plate. The contract also consists of a release clause worth a reported £25 million, although other stories have insisted that it could be well below that mark.
Manchester United are also keen, and more English sides have become interested in South American players from a reasonably young age. Chelsea have now entered the hunt for the 16-year-old Argentine whizkid, as the Blues continue to make inroads on their recently-adapted policy to buy young and then develop those talents.
FIFA rules prevents talents like Franco Mastantuono from joining one of those European sides, especially the English clubs before he turns 18. With a year left on his deal, River Plate might have a more significant say in determining his future, although the hunt is ongoing.
Mastantuono to sign a new River Plate contract?
Despite suggestions that Manchester City were close to signing Mastantuono, River Plate have yet to agree to anything with anyone. Instead, the teenager could sign a new deal with the Argentine club that would see him extend his stay as well as nearly double his current release clause.
The idea may have arisen from the fact that he cannot join any of his European suitors until a certain age. With his development going fine so far, Mastantuono might have considered staying on his current side for the time being and probably extended his deal for another three or four years. A new deal would allow River Plate to recoup a significant fee from European clubs when the time comes for the teenager to leave.
