River Plate prodigy Franco Mastantuono has emerged as transfer target for Manchester United.
Regarded as one of the finest young attacking talents in South America, Franco Mastantuono has been enjoying a stellar season at River Plate. He has scored seven goals and supplied five assists in 55 appearances for River Plate thus far, and the youngster’s rise in stature has caught the attention of several European bigwigs.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Franco Mastantuono this summer, but face stiff competition from several clubs. INEOS are expected to map out a transfer strategy following a dismal 2024/25 season, and the idea of signing young players from South America is an appealing prospect.
Reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has now given the latest update on the Argentine prodigy’s future. Deeming him one of the best young talents in world football, he has touched upon the interest from several clubs including Manchester United.
“I wanted to say something on one of the best talents in the world in this moment, Franco Mastantuono’s talent and release clause,” Romano said in his latest YouTube video.
“This Franco Mastantuono, what a goal he scored against Boca Juniors on a free kick, but this boy is really special, his left foot feels something really, really special.
“There is a clause there, something around £40-41million plus taxes, so the clause is there and this probably the only way to convince River Plate to sell Franco Mastantuono.
“English clubs interested in Mastantuono – Chelsea, (Man) United, all these clubs are well informed on the situation of Franco. So it will be one to watch for sure, but is an open race because you need to pay the clause, you need to convince the player, and you need also to reach an agreement with the agents.
“It is a deal that needs a big structure before saying it’s done.”
Man United are ready to invest in Franco Mastantuono
Man United are planning for the future under Amorim. They want to add creativity to their midfield, which has been primarily shouldered by skipper Bruno Fernandes in recent years.
With Christian Eriksen ageing and out of contract at the end of the season, the club are looking at a younger prolife in Mastantuono to enhance their midfield unit. The teenager has a versatile profile in the middle of the park. He can operate in different positions across midfield and attack, possessing the ability to create chances and put through line-breaking passes.
The Argentina Under-20 international is technically very strong and reads the game well, and he would fit well into the tactical philosophy of Amorim at Old Trafford. However, with interest in the player rising in Europe, United have to accelerate their pursuit of the River Plate star.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
