Manchester United have a substantial interest in signing Franco Mastantuono this summer from River Plate.
Recognised worldwide as a future world-beating talent, Franco Mastantuono is living up to his potential this year, with the 17-year-old breaking out for River Plate.
The talented left footer has four goals and two assists in his last seven games, with some of his finishes being pure quality.
He is tipped to be Argentina’s next big thing, with Enzo Fernandez predicting Mastantuono is ready for a European move, with the teenager not short of options.
If interested, United would need to wait until August before triggering Mastantuono’s release clause, given Brexit rules around signing players from abroad before they turn 18.
Europe’s elite are keen, but River Plate are far from willing sellers this summer.
Manchester United have been in Franco Mastantuono talks
Mastantuono is becoming too good for United to pass up on with his recent form in Argentina, which has placed his name firmly in the minds of fans.
Now, United in Focus can share the latest regarding to Mastantuono situation after speaking with transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
“United have spoken to his people this week. However, the thing with Mastantuono is that although he turns 18 in August, I have had it confirmed to me that he won’t be moving until 2026.
“United are in the running, but the plan wasn’t for him to move this summer anyway. Real Madrid are in the driving seat, but United are not out of the equation.
“I don’t think anyone will pay his €45m (£38m) release clause, though. But he really does want to join Madrid, however, we will have to see because there isn’t really room for him at Madrid.
“But over the last 10 days, United have definitely held talks with him. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also interested.”
Manchester United should plan a 2026 move for Franco Mastantuono
With River Plate not selling until 2026, along with European clubs being unlikely to pay the release clause, there should be no rush from Ineos to arrange a deal and pay the release clause this summer.
Mastantuono is an incredible talent, but this summer United need to focus on ready-made quality to give Ruben Amorim the best chance possible of turning things around, the likes of Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo.
However, what the club can do is hope that this summer goes smoothly and successfully. This is to make sure that next season, United are performing to the sixth place target Ineos have set.
Mastantuono can be focused on in January or even next summer, with a pre-agreement possible with River Plate for this. But hopes of his arrival this summer seem all but concluded.
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