Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as frontrunners in the highly competitive race to sign River Plate starlet Franco Mastantuono, according to a report.
The 17-year-old left-footed playmaker has already caught the eye of several top European clubs with his rapid rise into River Plate’s first team.
Manchester United and Chelsea have both shown interest, with reports suggesting that the Red Devils have held multiple meetings with the Argentine club regarding a potential deal.
While Mastantuono was initially believed to favour a move to Real Madrid, the Spanish giants have reportedly cooled their interest due to public remarks made by his representatives, as well as a hefty €40million (£34m) release clause in his contract.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester City and PSG – two clubs with no shortage of financial firepower—are now the leading contenders to sign the teenager.
Italian heavyweights Inter and AC Milan have also been monitoring Mastantuono, River Plate’s youngest-ever goalscorer, for several years.
However, neither Serie A side os expected to make a move this summer.
Even City and PSG may hesitate to trigger the €40million clause for a player who won’t turn 18 until August.
Despite the mounting interest, River remain adamant that their prized asset will stay put.
Club board member Stefano Di Carlo recently insisted Mastantuono will remain in Buenos Aires through the end of 2025. “Yes, yes,” he said. “That’s already a certainty.”
The intense pursuit of Mastantuono, who has yet to make his senior international debut, is driven by the glowing praise he’s received.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández has spoken highly of his compatriot, while former River Plate player Matías Almeyda, who hails from the same Argentine town, couldn’t resist making a grand comparison.
“After Diego Maradona, there didn’t seem to be any heirs, but then Leo Messi arrived,” Almeyda said.
“And I say that now is the time for Franco Mastantuono.”
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