Real Madrid currently look to have the most concrete interest in the potential transfer of River Plate and Argentina wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, according to Fabrizio Romano.
However, speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Romano also made it clear that Madrid had not made a bid for the 16-year-old midfielder yet, and that almost all top clubs in Europe are also interested in this hugely exciting prospect.
Mastantuono looks an elite player in the making and surely has a big career ahead of him, so it will be interesting to keep an eye on how this saga progresses, and if any of these other long list of clubs try to rival Real for his signature.
Los Blancos have done well in recent times to recruit some top young players from South America, with Brazilian youngsters like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes going on to become key players in their first-team, while Federico Valverde has also been a big success since arriving from Uruguay at a young age.
Mastantuono looks like he could be the next big thing for Madrid if they get this deal done, but Romano has also perhaps sounded a small note of caution as there’s so much other interest in the player as well.
Mastantuono transfer: Real Madrid yet to bid and other clubs interested
“Franco Mastantuono is one of the best young talents in South America, similar to Endrick and Estevao, so I could really mention all top clubs in Europe as being keen on him,” Romano said.
“All of them like Mastantuono, but Real Madrid are the club to mention as they have recently made contact with River Plate. There’s no bid yet but concrete movements are taking place.”
Mastantuono would surely be tempted by the prospect of moving to the Bernabeu, with the team enjoying plenty of success under Carlo Ancelotti at the moment, winning La Liga this season and possibly heading for another Champions League final.