According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Franco Mastantuono is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils have held talks to sign the River Plate whizkid, with Chelsea and Liverpool also having conversations over a possible move. However, the Premier League clubs are behind Real Madrid in the race to sign the Argentine wonderkid in the summer transfer window.
Franco Mastantuono has made giant strides since breaking into the first-team squad at River Plate last year. The teenage sensation is already a regular for the South American powerhouses, and he has scored some crucial goals since making his senior bow for the club.
The 17-year-old has amassed six goals and four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions, an impressive tally for a player of his age profile. Meanwhile, Mastantuono’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s links with the Argentine prodigy are hardly surprising. The Blues have targeted world-class prodigies from South America under their current owners, with Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez arriving at Stamford Bridge later this year. So, Mastantuono is a viable target for Chelsea. As for Liverpool, Arne Slot wants more firepower in the final third amid his team’s over-dependence on Mohamed Salah.
In addition, the River Plate wonderkid has the ability to be Salah’s long-term successor, making him an appealing option for Liverpool. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Franco Mastantuono makes sense, with the youngster being the ideal fit in Ruben Amorim’s system at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have already initiated the talks to sign the South American sensation. However, Manchester United might face defeat from Real Madrid, with Los Blancos in the pole position to sign Mastantuono from River Plate wonderkid. The youngster can be a solid addition to the Real Madrid attack amid the Spanish club’s creative woes. They also have the funds to afford his exit clause of £41 million.
With Real Madrid leading the race to sign the Mastantuono, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United face a tall order to secure his services. However, the Premier League bigwigs can take charge if they trigger the release clause of £41 million in the 17-year-old Argentine prodigy’s contract.
