Real Madrid accelerate efforts for Argentine talent despite several challenges | OneFootball

According to an update from SPORT, Real Madrid have reignited their efforts to sign Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono, viewing the River Plate sensation as a key piece in Florentino Perez’s plans to revamp a squad that has disappointed this season.

At just 17 years of age, Mastantuono is already being hailed as the most exciting young talent in Argentine football.

The River Plate star has attracted major interest not only for his performances but also due to his European eligibility, thanks to holding an Italian passport.

This means he could move to Europe before turning 18 in August, a major boost for clubs like Real Madrid who are looking to act swiftly.

Real Madrid had everything in place

Real Madrid had already reached a salary agreement with the player in June 2024, but froze the deal after River Plate refused to negotiate the €45 million release clause.

Franco Mastantuono is back on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)

With the situation now changing, due largely to mounting interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and even Atletico Madrid, where Diego Simeone is reportedly keen, Madrid are back in the race, this time with more urgency and intent.

Mastantuono’s agents are currently in Madrid, and a virtual meeting with the player reportedly involved Real Madrid representatives.

The objective is clear: close the deal as quickly as possible before Premier League giants escalate their interest or meet the clause outright.

However, River Plate are adamant about one thing that they want every cent of the €45 million. The Argentine club sees Mastantuono as not only a key player but also a symbol of their academy’s prestige.

They refuse to let him leave for less and have made the transfer a matter of principle. Madrid’s offer of €30 million plus variables falls well short for now, and talks remain stalled on this point.

Adding to the complexity is the player’s stance. Reports from Buenos Aires suggest Mastantuono has promised River Plate that he will not leave until December, once the South American season concludes.

This position clashes with Real Madrid’s internal urgency, as the club is eager to begin their rebuild immediately after a season widely considered a historic failure by its own standards.