Real Madrid would not rule out Franco Mastantuono’s departure: Inter Milan could be his next destination
The Argentine midfielder has been on the fringes in recent months, and his performances have fallen short of expectations.
Franco Mastantuono is currently navigating a period of profound transition at Real Madrid. At just 18 years old, the Argentine prodigy is not enjoying the consistent playing time many expected when he made his high-profile move from River Plate. However, "behind closed doors" at Valdebebas, the player remains calm. He understands that his professional journey in Europe is only just beginning and that patience is a requirement in the shadow of the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite his current lack of minutes, his talent has not gone unnoticed. Mastantuono’s progression and raw technical ability have put him back on the radar of Europe’s elite. One giant, in particular, has already moved into position to secure his services, signaling that the first chapter of his European story may soon take a dramatic turn toward Italy.
The Diamond in the Rough
Real Madrid’s current sporting policy is built on a foundation of investing in world-class youth. From Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo to Endrick and Arda Güler, the "Merengues" consistently outbid competitors for the best prospects of each generation. Mastantuono arrived with massive expectations, and while he showed flashes of brilliance during the first months of the 2025-26 season, his role has diminished as the stakes of the campaign have increased.
In the eyes of the coaching staff, Mastantuono is a "diamond in the rough." He possesses elite vision and a multidisciplinary skill set, but he lacks the competitive rhythm that only consistent minutes can provide. This is where Inter Milan enters the equation.
The "Inter" Interest and the Nico Paz Precedent
According to reports from the Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Nerazzurri have set their sights on the Argentine midfielder. Inter is not just looking for a simple loan; they are reportedly working on a specific market formula that Real Madrid has recently found very profitable.
This is the "Nico Paz Model":
- Affordable Transfer: Inter would purchase a percentage of the player's rights at a reasonable price.
- Serie A Development: The player gets guaranteed minutes in a top-five league.
- The Buy-Back Clause: Real Madrid retains a "re-purchase" option, allowing them to bring the player back to Madrid once he has matured, or profit significantly from a future sale.
This strategy was successfully implemented with Nico Paz’s move to Como, where the player has flourished away from the pressure of the Bernabéu. Inter Milan believes Mastantuono’s technical profile would adapt perfectly to Simone Inzaghi’s system—offering a young, creative alternative to their veteran midfield.
Priority: Mastantuono over Arda Güler
While Inter has also monitored the situation of Arda Güler, Mastantuono has reportedly become the absolute priority for the Milanese directors. The historical link between Argentine players and Inter Milan—defined by legends like Javier Zanetti and current captain Lautaro Martínez—makes the San Siro an attractive destination for any young "Albiceleste" star.
Real Madrid would likely view a "controlled exit" favorably. It allows the club to maintain ties with a player they still believe in while offloading the responsibility of his immediate development to a competitive environment like the Serie A.
As negotiations are expected to accelerate in the coming months, Mastantuono continues to work in silence at Real Madrid. Whether his next chapter is written in Spain or Italy, one thing is certain: the Argentine jewel is ready to explode, and the market is already fighting for the privilege of watching it happen.
