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Radical shift and urgent meeting: Mastantuono inches closer to Real Madrid move

The future of Franco Mastantuono, one of River Plate's most promising gems

By Diego Mendoza

Mastantuono. PHOTO: Walpaper River Plate
Mastantuono. PHOTO: Walpaper River Plate

The future of Franco Mastantuono, one of River Plate's most promising gems, appears to be nearing a resolution with a sudden turn of events that brings him increasingly closer to Real Madrid. What was once a latent interest has transformed into a concrete offensive by the Blancos, marked by an "urgent meeting" and a "radical shift" in his transfer landscape.

Sources close to the negotiation indicate that a group of Real Madrid emissaries is already in Buenos Aires, with the clear intention of meeting with River's young talent. Leading this key operation is Juni Calafat, Real Madrid's renowned scout and transfer strategist, whose reputation precedes his every move, remembered for orchestrating the arrival of other young pearls like Arda Güler. Calafat's presence in Argentina is an unequivocal sign of the seriousness and advanced state of the talks.

Real Madrid, aware of Mastantuono's immense potential and the fierce competition for his signature, is reportedly willing to pay the player's €45 million release clause. This firm stance places the Merengue club in an advantageous position in the bidding war for the 17-year-old attacking midfielder.

However, the path is not without obstacles. Paris Saint-Germain, another European giant with a voracious appetite for young talents, has not thrown in the towel. In fact, PSG coach Luis Enrique himself has shown personal interest in Mastantuono, even going so far as to contact and visit the player to try and persuade him to join their ranks. This involvement from the Asturian coach highlights the magnitude of Mastantuono's talent and the battle being waged for his future.

For its part, River Plate, although aware of the difficulty of retaining its jewel against the onslaught of Europe's giants, fervently wishes for Mastantuono to remain at the club at least until the end of the Copa Libertadores. This stance could be a sticking point in negotiations, or perhaps an opportunity for the youngster to complete his continental cycle before making the big leap.

Franco Mastantuono's saga is entering its decisive hours. The tug-of-war between Real Madrid and PSG for his services, with the player as the main protagonist, promises an outcome that could redefine the future of the Blancos' midfield and, undoubtedly, mark a before and after in the career of this promising Argentine star.


Diego Mendoza

Diego Mendoza

Licenciado en Comunicación Social con mención en periodismo por la Universidad Central del Ecuador. Apasionado al fútbol ecuatoriano y parte de El Futbolero desde 2020. No tengo problema en decir la verdad, no vivo de los equipos ni de los jugadores. Trato de representar el sentir del hincha en mis notas.

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