Real Madrid sporting director pushing to sign Argentine top talent – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid are going through a period of uncertainty at the moment, with coach Carlo Ancelotti likely to leave the club in the near future.

While Xabi Alonso has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Ancelotti, the deal could take time. Until then, Real Madrid are likely to bring in Santiago Solari, the club’s sporting director, as the interim manager.

Solari could push to sign Mastantuono

According to Diario AS (h/t Ole), Solari is eyeing a sensational move for River Plate’s 17-year-old prodigy Franco Mastantuono, should he step into the head coach role following Carlo Ancelotti’s anticipated departure for Brazil this summer.

Solari, who previously managed Real Madrid from October 2018 to March 2019, sees Mastantuono as a key addition to bolster the squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States.

Mastantuono’s stock has soared after his stunning free-kick in River Plate’s Superclásico triumph over Boca Juniors, earning him accolades from the international press.

Franco Mastantuono is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

The teenager has also caught the attention of Manchester United. The report now claims Solari, if appointed interim coach until Xabi Alonso takes over post-Club World Cup, would push for Mastantuono’s signature to strengthen the team roster.

While Solari’s potential stint as head coach remains speculative, his influence as sporting director could still drive Real Madrid’s pursuit of the Argentine international.

That said, there could be tactical hindrance to Real Madrid’s pursuit of Mastantuono. The Argentine, after all, is an attacking midfielder, where the team is already quite stacked.

Indeed, the team boasts the services of players like Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz and even Dani Ceballos in the position. Therefore, signing Mastantuono might not much sense.

Not to mention, the Argentine may also cost a fortune as he is now the undisputed star of River Plate and one of the best up and coming talents in South America. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how this saga transpires in the weeks to come.