A Real Madrid representative is in Buenos Aires with the aim of finalizing the signing of Franco Mastantuono, River Plate’s star, according to a close source.
The agreement for the midfielder will not be easy, as Paris Saint-Germain is in an advantageous position to acquire the services of the 17-year-old. However, Real Madrid is pushing to reach an agreement this week.
Despite the difficulties, Real Madrid is aware of Mastantuono’s interest in joining the club. The player’s agents have delayed signing an agreement with PSG, pending Real Madrid firming up their offer.
The white club hopes to sign the midfielder immediately, so that he can be available for the Club World Cup this month in the United States.
After a season without major titles, the club is undergoing a rebuilding process for the new coach, and has already signed defender Dean Huijsen and full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.The possibility of closing the signing of Mastantuono in time for the Club World Cup will depend on reaching an agreement with the player, something that is not considered an obstacle, and then with River Plate.
According to a source, Mastantuono has a release clause of 45 million euros in his contract with the Argentinian club.Initially, Real Madrid was reluctant to pay an amount it considered high, but PSG’s interest and the arrival of the new coach have led the club to reconsider its position.
Real Madrid is not yet close to closing a deal for Mastantuono, but the club is now determined to sign him, although they are aware that PSG has worked hard on its offer in recent weeks.
Real Madrid has been following Mastantuono for two years, along with several of the top European clubs. After interest in the Argentinian youth international cooled last season, he has now become a priority.
It is not yet clear how Mastantuono’s signing could affect Real Madrid’s interest in bringing Nico Paz back.
Paz, 20 years old, has had an outstanding season with Como in Serie A, and Real Madrid has an 8 million euro option to re-sign their youth player.However, Paz now has some doubts about his role in the team, given Real Madrid’s interest in Mastantuono and his similar profile.
