Premier League champions Manchester City have reportedly initiated the move to sign 16-year-old Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono.
According to a report by SPORT, as relayed by Sport Witness, Franco Mastantuono is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions have already made their move for the 16-year-old River Plate wonderkid. Meanwhile, the young midfielder is also a target for Barcelona, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
The Story of Franco Mastantuono
Franco Mastantuono is the latest South American wonderkid to become a hot property in the market. A native of Azul, he began his youth career in his hometown before joining River Plate in 2019. Fans and pundits hail the Argentine wonderkid as the next big thing in the country, and he has high potential.
The 16-year-old has already made his first-team bow for River Plate, turning out ten times for the fabled giants after becoming their third-youngest-ever player. Meanwhile, Mastantuono’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.
High in Demand
Barcelona and Real Madrid often trade blows in the market, especially for highly-rated prospects. And Mastantuono has recently emerged as a mutual target, with the two La Liga heavyweights already submitting an enquiry for him. The teenage sensation can be the long-term solution for Barcelona and Real Madrid in the final third.
However, Barcelona might struggle to meet his valuation, with the youngster’s contract with River Plate having a release clause worth €45 million. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in Franco Mastantuono is understandable. The Blues have focused on a youth-driven project under the new ownership, with several Brazilian prodigies already arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The River Plate wonderkid has thus emerged as a viable target for Chelsea. But the Blues, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are all behind Manchester City, with the Premier League champions initiating the move to sign him. Meanwhile, Manchester City should have the financial muscle to afford a deal worth €45 million for the 16-year-old Argentine wonderkid.
With Manchester City making the move to sign the youngster, an agreement might be on the cards. It will be interesting to see if Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Chelsea can beat the Premier League champions to his signature.
