Manchester United are eyeing up a swoop for River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono this summer, with the move rapidly advancing.
Last summer, a market opportunity arose for Manchester United to swoop in and sign Leny Yoro from Lille. The French defender was seen as a future Galactico, with Real Madrid the only destination being considered.
Due to this, United’s signing of Yoro shocked Madrid and was a message of intent from Ineos over their intention to restore the club to the height of football. Things have not gone perfectly this season, far from it, but the signing was brilliant.
If United are signing the world’s best prospects in each position, it won’t be long until Ruben Amorim has the Red Devils at the pinnacle of the sport.
United considered Yoro generational, and so spent big to secure his signature, which should be what Ineos are planning to do with Franco Mastantuono, who is also seen as generational within the club.
United have been linked with signing Mastantuono this summer, but a deal is far from straightforward.
Manchester United is already in talks with River Plate over signing Franco Mastantuono
As the United are showing the most interest in Mastantuono with his £38m release clause a potential bargain if he fulfils his potential.
Now, according to TYC Sports in Argentina, United are ready to push forward with interest in Mastantuono and exercise the release clause; however are asking River Plate about paying it in instalments instead of all at once.
It is not mentioned whether the Argentine side is willing to accept this, but United are one of two clubs to take a step forward in negotiations, with Marseille the other side keen to view Mastantuono potentially as a Mason Greenwood replacement.
Both United and Marseille have had chiefs in Argentina lately to speak with River Plate director Enzo Francescoli. Regarding Marseille’s interest, it has been reported by Bola VIP that Mastantuono has no interest in a move to France, which places United in the lead.
Mastantuono is seen as a superstar in the making, and United should be doing everything possible to secure his signature this summer, even if it sees the 17-year-old back at River Plate until January.
One problem for Manchester United in Franco Mastantuono chase is Real Madrid
With United’s hopes to sign Mastantuono looking well placed, there is only one problem, and that comes in the form of Real Madrid.
The aforementioned reports both claim that Mastantuono dreams of signing for Real Madrid and wearing the famous Los Blancos shirt in his future; however, it is currently not a move that is on the table for the teenager.
Mastantuono is the new jewel of Argentinian football, yet finds himself in a similar situation to Yoro last summer, which should give United hope of repeating the move and signing another super talent.
In any case, Mastantuono is expected to see out the season with River Plate, playing in the Copa Libertadores and the Club World Cup with his boyhood club before embarking to Europe in January, and United must ensure is already arranged that Old Trafford is his destination.
Mastantuono is a once-in-a-generation player, potentially, and so it’s vital United move fast and convince him of the project.
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