Real Madrid plan new round of talks to sign 16-year-old South American prodigy | OneFootball

It is no secret at this point that Real Madrid have taken a keen interest in River Plate teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono.

The 16-year-old versatile midfielder is enjoying a breakthrough campaign in Argentina and has put several top clubs across Europe on high alert, including Real Madrid.

Los Blancos have already scouted the teenager on multiple occasions and have very good reports on him. So much so that they are ready to go after his signing by using the formula they used to secure Endrick’s services.

Fresh talks to be held

Having already begun initial negotiations with River Plate, Real Madrid are now planning a new round of talks with the Argentine heavyweights for the signing of Franco Mastantuono, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Mastantuono signed a new contract with River Plate earlier this year as part of which his release clause amount was increased to €45 million.

Real Madrid, for their part, are not planning to trigger the €45 million buyout clause for the teenage wonderkid.

Real Madrid going all out for Mastantuono. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Instead, the Merengues’ idea is to negotiate a fee structure and payment terms to reach a figure close to that mark rather than outright activating the release clause.

There has been no formal proposal made yet and the race remains open, Romano adds.

However, reports in Spain suggested this week that Mastantuono has chosen Real Madrid as his preferred destination and has advised his camp to prioritise the proposals from the new Spanish champions.

It certainly gives Real Madrid an edge in pursuit of the Argentine sensation who could follow in the footsteps of Endrick and become the club’s latest recruit from South America in the near future.