Chelsea remain keen to trump Liverpool and Real Madrid to Franco Mastantuono.
Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old sensation from River Plate, who is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting young players in world football. The €45 million release clause in his contract makes it a costly investment, but one that several European giants, including Liverpool and Real Madrid are seriously considering according to Caught Offside.
Chelsea, known for aggressively targeting elite youth talent under the current ownership, are hoping their track record of giving opportunities to emerging stars can tip the scales in their favour. Mastantuono, a left-footed attacking midfielder who models his game on the likes of Neymar and Phil Foden, is expected to be a long-term game-changer wherever he lands.
A youth-centric approach, but lacking in the end product
Chelsea have already created an environment tailored for young players to thrive. The arrivals of Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Estevao Willian among others in recent years are all evidence of a bold strategy to build around emerging talent.
Mastantuono could fit well as a rotational option behind Palmer or as an advanced playmaker in a midfield three. However, the potential clash with Estevao Willian and Cole Palmer in similar areas might limit his short-term minutes, unless the Blues commit to a long-term development pathway.
Still, Chelsea’s record of early trust in teenagers and their willingness to pay premium fees for potential gives them a strong hand in negotiations, and the player may be drawn by the idea of being a centrepiece in the Premier League’s most youth-focused rebuild.
A clear pathway at Anfield for Franco Mastantuono
At Liverpool, Franco Mastantuono might find a more defined role and less immediate competition. With Wataru Endo on the wrong side of 30 and Curtis Jones yet to cement his place, there is room for a creative, technically refined left-footer in Arne Slot’s system.
Slot is expected to maintain a fluid, attack-minded setup, and Mastantuono could function as an advanced midfielder or a wide playmaker drifting inside. Importantly, Liverpool have a strong history of carefully integrating young talents like Harvey Elliott and Jones, offering Mastantuono the kind of developmental patience that might suit his long-term growth.
Liverpool may not match Chelsea’s financial aggression, but they can offer a more stable project, UEFA Champions League football, and a proven player-care model.
Sidelined at the Santiago Bernabeu?
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Mastantuono follows a well-established model, signing South America’s finest talents early and integrating them carefully. The success stories of Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, and more recently Endrick will not be lost on the young Argentine.
Under Carlo Ancelotti (or potentially Xabi Alonso), Mastantuono would be nurtured in a highly competitive environment with a winning culture. However, the depth of talent already at Real Madrid, Bellingham, Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, and Endrick may limit his chances of first-team minutes in the short term.
Still, the prestige of wearing white at the Santiago Bernabéu and following in the footsteps of so many legendary South Americans might be too alluring to ignore. Franco Mastantuono is a generational and record-breaking talent who is already River Plate’s youngest-ever player; all three clubs offer distinct pathways.
Chelsea can offer immediate integration into a youth-first project. Liverpool provide tactical clarity and a nurturing structure. Real Madrid offer the dream, but possibly with a longer wait. If Mastantuono wants quick Premier League exposure and patience in development, Chelsea or Liverpool seem ideal. But if legacy and long-term ambition matter most, Real Madrid remain the crown jewel.