Franco Mastantuono is keen on joining Real Madrid after leaving River Plate, but Los Blancos will not cough up €45 million to sign the Argentine wonderkid.
According to a report by Jorge C Picon, Franco Mastantuono has zeroed in on his preferred destination for when he leaves River Plate. The 16-year-old wonderkid wants to join Real Madrid amid widespread rumours linking him with several other high-profile clubs across Europe.
Franco Mastantuono and his rising stock
Franco Mastantuono has become one of the most highly sought-after prodigies in his homeland. Argentina has produced several popular prospects in the last few years, with Claudio Echeverri already agreeing to join Manchester City. And his River Plate teammate has also risen in prominence in recent months.
The Argentine wonderkid is only 16 years old but has still appeared on the radar of the who’s who of European football. Recent reports have linked Mastantuono with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, among other heavyweights. Meanwhile, the youngster has already broken into the first-team squad at River Plate.
The 16-year-old has turned out 11 times thus far for River Plate, chipping in with two goals. An attacking midfielder by trade, he can also play equally adeptly on the right flank. Meanwhile, Mastantuono has zeroed in on his preferred destination for when he leaves River Plate in a few years.
Madrid beckons?
Jorge C Picon has suggested that the 16-year-old Argentine whizkid wants to join Real Madrid. The latest update has boosted Los Blancos’ prospects while handing a blow to his other suitors. However, there might be some complications due to Real Madrid’s reluctance to trigger his release clause of €45 million.
The Merengues do not want to cough up €45 million and will look to seal a deal for a lower figure instead. Real Madrid will aim to emulate the “Endrick formula” to sign Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, having secured Endrick’s services with a similar plan.
It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can capitalise on Mastantuono’s preference to move to the Santiago Bernabeu and beat the competition to his signature. However, their hesitancy to pay €45 million might provide a window of opportunity for the other suitors.
