Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing River Plate attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono in the summer transfer window.
LaLiga giants Real Madrid are not the only team in the running for the Argentine midfielder. Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are also big admirers of the 17-year-old talent.
Until last week, PSG were the frontrunners in the race for Franco Mastantuono. The Parisians had been tracking the Argentine for quite some time and were preparing to pay Β£42.1 million (β¬50 million) to get him.
π¨π¦π· Real Madrid have made approach with both Franco Mastantuonoβs camp and also River Plate.
Mastantuonoβs dream since he was a kid is joining Real Madrid, now time for the negotiations. πβͺοΈ
Real Madrid and PSG are in a battle to get the deal done. pic.twitter.com/IY2me3SGAG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2025
In just a few days, things have taken quite a turn, with Real Madrid jumping ahead in the queue.
Xabi Alonso Calls Franco Mastantuono To Convince Him of Real Madrid Transfer
After failing to win any of the three major trophies β LaLiga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey β in the 2024/25 season, Los Blancos are overseeing an overhaul. They have replaced Carlo Ancelotti with Xabi Alonso, signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and brought Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. Madrid are now chasing a couple more high-value targets.
According to ESPN, PSG target Franco Mastantuono is the next man on their wishlist, and Alonso is pushing hard to seal the deal. On an ESPN program in Argentina, journalist Ramon de Mon said Alonso called Mastantuono to convince him to join Real Madrid.
ππππππππ: Xabi Alonso spoke with Franco Mastantuono on the phone in an attempt to ππππππ the transfer from PSG, according to Argentinian reports.
A Real Madrid emissary is also said to be in Argentina. Florentino is going all in π pic.twitter.com/H7L1yrxqQp
— 433 (@433) June 5, 2025
On the call, Alonso assured him that he would have playing time and would primarily operate on the right flank. The Argentine’s ability to thrive in multiple defensive positions compelled Alonso to go after him.
The phone call reportedly proved to be decisive, as the player wants to join Madrid. He understands he would not earn as much in the Spanish capital. But he is prepared to make that sacrifice.
Mastantuono has reportedly instructed his agents to wait for Real Madrid’s offer. Los Merengues now only need to reach an agreement with River Plate to complete the signing.
Who is Real Madrid Transfer Target Franco Mastantuono?
Franco Mastantuono is a left-footed attack-minded midfielder. He loves to play higher up the pitch, play balls behind the defence, and try his luck from range. Mastantuono is also good at set-pieces (free-kicks) and one-on-one duels. He idolises Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, and Neymar, and their influence is easy to spot.
Mastantuono started his career at local club River de Azul in 2011. Six years into his youth career, he got a chance to be a part of River Plate’s academy. However, Mastantuono’s family rejected the offer, as they wanted him to excel in tennis.
16 YEARS OLD FRANCO MASTANTUONO WITH A GAME WINNER π€―
— All About Argentina ππ¦π· (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 28, 2024
His tennis career fizzled out, but he continued to impress in football. In 2019, he finally made the switch to River Plate. Five years later, he started his professional career as a River Plate player.
So far, he has played 61 games for the club in all competitions. He has scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists. His contract with the club expires in December 2026.
