Hold the phone, the Real Madrid transfer race for Franco Mastantuono isn't quite over, if news by Fabrizio Romano is anything to go by.
It's silly season in the world of soccer right now, as clubs from across Europe are locking horns for some of the best players in the world. At the very top of the pile is Real Madrid, who are known as the transfer window sharks.
Under new management now, club president Florentino Perez will be eager to fast-track Xabi Alonso's route to success by spending some funds that Real has saved over the last few seasons.
Already, Xabi Alonso has been instrumental to signing some defenders. However, his next pressing need is to sign a midfielder.
While the names of Angelo Stiller and Martin Zubimendi have been thrown around a lot in the buildup to the window, now Real Madrid might be returning to a former target.
According to an exciting update from Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid remains in the race to sign Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. They face heavy competition from Champions League winners PSG, but the Italian journalist hasn't ruled out Los Blancos yet.
In his own words, Romano said: Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are currently in a battle to get Franco Mastantuono. Paris Saint-Germain have been in advanced talks with all parties involved for days but still nothing signed or done. Real Madrid are in contact with the player’s camp, working on it again."
Just recently, Real Madrid fans began losing hope over Mastantuono. Not only had PSG intensified their pursuit, Real Madrid seemed to have backed off on theirs.
However, in hindsight, this was naive from the fanbase. If we know Real Madrid well, then we should understand how slowly they move. This isn't a weakness, it's Real Madrid's strength that they can afford to play it cool.
Ultimately, Real Madrid relies on players wanting to join the club. Therefore, if a player is worth signing, then he's worth waiting for. This is a confident play, but it has resulted in Real Madrid getting what they want nine times out of ten.
Still, that one time will be at the back of fans' minds. Therefore, it's good to get this reassurance from Fabrizio Romano that the race isn't over as far as Real Madrid is concerned.