Real Madrid Make Major Decision on Pursuing €45M-Rated Man Utd, PSG Target | OneFootball

PSG seem to be leading the race to sign Franco Mastantuono, one of South America’s brightest young prospects, ahead of the summer transfer window.

The French giants have been keeping a close eye on the 17-year-old River Plate midfielder, and according to TyC Sports journalist Germán García Grova, they’ve already begun talks and consider him a priority target.

Manchester United, though, are reportedly the most serious contender so far. Transfer insider César Luis Merlo claims the Premier League club has scouted Mastantuono in person and is well aware of his €45 million release clause—a key detail that could shape how the competition unfolds.

Will Real Madrid edge PSG for Franco Mastantuono?

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On Wednesday, Sky Sport’s Florian Plettenberg reported that Real Madrid are now in direct talks with Mastantuono.

Juni Calafat is in Buenos Aires negotiating with both the player and River Plate, and Mastantuono is open to the move. José Ángel Sánchez is pushing to get the deal done in time for the Club World Cup.

PSG, with Luis Campos leading the effort, haven’t given up yet.

Journalist Graeme Bailey recently shared that Man Utd is in talks with the young talent, but the player prefers a move to Madrid. Still, any transfer won’t take place before 2026.

“United have spoken to his people this week,” Bailey told United in Focus. “However, the thing with Mastantuono is that although he turns 18 in August, I have had it confirmed to me that he won’t be moving until 2026.

“United are in the running, but the plan wasn’t for him to move this summer anyway. Real Madrid are in the driving seat, but United are not out of the equation.

“I don’t think anyone will pay his €45m (£38m) release clause, though. But he really does want to join Madrid, however, we will have to see because there isn’t really room for him at Madrid.

“But over the last 10 days, United have definitely held talks with him. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also interested.”