According to journalist Eduardo Burgos (via Madrid Universal), Real Madrid are keen on signing Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. Los Blancos are reportedly looking to enhance their long-term midfield options this summer.
Real Madrid are said to be interested in signing the Argentine for a while now. However, the negotiations seemed to have been stalled for some months.
Meanwhile, having completed the deals of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, the Madrid outfit have now turned their attention to Mastantuono. Details from the above-mentioned source also revealed that Real Madrid are also prepared to trigger the €40 million release clause in Mastantuono’s contract.
Los Blancos are also reportedly leveraging their decent relationship with River Plate to rapidly make the potential deal a done one. Meanwhile, Madrid are likely going to keep him in Argentina to complete the term with River Plate, which ends in December 2025.
As a teenager, Mastantuono is mainly an attacking midfielder who could feature as a right-winger. In 19 outings, Mastantuono has delivered seven goals and four assists across competitions for River Plate in 2025.
Given his capability, he could develop to become a world-class player if he signs for Los Blancos. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are also looking to secure his signature in the ongoing window, which further expands the possibilities.
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino has stated that Xabi Alonso was a role model for most Spanish players. He also expressed his belief that Alonso is more than ready to succeed at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In a discussion with Mundo Deportivo, he said (via Madrid Universal):
He added:
Alonso will kick-start his competitive reign as Real Madrid’s manager in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which will commence on June 15.
A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.
He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder’s ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese’s tactical mind. He feels France’s triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.
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