Real Madrid plan to include Franco Mastantuono in their squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, a report said.
The Argentine prodigy is expected to leave River Plate soon to undergo medical tests in the Spanish capital so that he can train under Xabi Alonso for at least a week ahead of the tournament, it added.
Real Madrid have reportedly agreed on a €45 million deal for the 17-year-old with River Plate, according to Madrid International. Mastantuono is expected to sign a six-year deal with the La Liga giants and can feature in their senior lineup before turning 18, as he holds an Italian passport, the report added.
Mastantuono's current contract includes a €41 million release clause. If the latest report is to be trusted, Xabi Alonso’s team has not triggered it and is instead likely to negotiate with River Plate to find a middle ground that works better for both sides.
The left-footed attacking midfielder, who is also effective as a deep-lying playmaker and winger, was heavily linked with European champions PSG before Real Madrid hijacked the deal. Real Madrid scouts had been tracking Mastantuono for some time, despite PSG having made initial contacts that progressed quickly.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Real Madrid reportedly abandoned their patient approach. Mastantuono’s affection for Los Blancos also played a key role. After PSG manager Luis Enrique personally reached out to the teenager, Real dispatched their top scout Juni Calafat to convince Mastantuono and his family that the Spanish club was serious about securing him. The Spanish-speaking family reportedly preferred Madrid over Paris for cultural reasons, which further strengthened Calafat’s case, the report added.
Franco Mastantuono is known for exploiting spaces between defensive lines and cutting inside to unleash lethal shots on goal. He is also skilled at set-pieces, dribbling, and evading his marker.