Real Madrid are moving quickly to ensure the signing of 17-year-old River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono, as reported by AS.
With Paris Saint-Germain stepping up efforts to lure the midfielder, Madrid have decided to act swiftly to avoid losing out on a player they see as a generational talent.
Juni Calafat, the club’s chief international scout and a key figure behind many successful Madrid signings, has already landed in Buenos Aires.
His presence shows how seriously the club is taking the matter. It is believed that Calafat may meet with River Plate officials and the player’s entourage in the coming hours to finalise the deal.
For now, the urgency is clear. PSG coach Luis Enrique has already made contact with the teenager, explaining the project at the French club and how Mastantuono would fit into the team.
This has forced Madrid to reconsider their previous strategy of waiting until the winter window. They are now preparing to trigger the player’s full release clause, which stands at €40 million. This fee includes a fixed payment plus variables.
However, as part of the deal, the youngster would remain in Argentina and continue to develop until December.
Mastantuono, who holds an EU passport through Italian heritage, turns 18 in August. His wish is to stay with River Plate until the end of the season and possibly earn a senior debut for the Argentina national team.
Madrid are fully supportive of that plan, believing that giving the player space to grow in familiar surroundings will benefit both parties in the long run.
Until PSG made their move, Real Madrid were confident. Now, they are leaving nothing to chance, with tense hours ahead as they try to close a deal that could define their future midfield.