Real Madrid closing in on ‘next big signing’ with Mbappe deal being finalised

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 6 May 2024 11:15 BST
• 4 min read

Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to secure a transfer for River Plate star Franco Mastantuono in a deal that will mirror their move for Endrick.

AS reports that Real Madrid are the only club to have made positive strides towards signing the 16-year-old Mastantuono, who burst onto the scene with Argentina’s U17 team at the World Cup last year and has since gone on to play 11 times for River Plate’s first team, scoring two goals.

Comparisons with his breakout, though, have been made with Endrick, who has already committed himself to joining Los Blancos in the summer, as well as Chelsea-bound Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian, who is current subject to interest from a string of major European clubs.

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With Kylian Mbappe’s free transfer from PSG close to being made complete, it is reported that the Bernabeu side see Mastantuono as their “next big signing”.

So far, Real Madrid are poised to be unchallenged in the pursuit of the Argentine, while Revelo reports the player has made a transfer his priority, but there is a catch.

READ MORE: Latest Kylian Mbappe transfer news

Mastantuono release clause needs triggered

“River Plate will not make it easy,” AS warns. “After the successful sales of Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez, River Plate don’t want to waste the opportunity to make money with this new jewel.

“Recently renewed until December 2026, the playmaker's contract includes a clause of €45 million, the highest in the history of Argentine football.

“The board, seeing the success of the Brazilian clubs when selling, will not negotiate with any team, demanding the release fee in order to let the player leave.

“The formula that could work is the one used with Endrick. Real Madrid would pay a part of the clause as a fixed sum and another as bonuses that are relatively easy to attain.”

River Plate could accept a deal structured in this form because it would reduce their tax obligations.

Should Real Madrid strike an agreement, Mastantuono would not be able to join up with the club until he turns 18, which is the same reason Endrick is not yet at the Bernabeu.

Special announcement planned for Mbappe

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a deal for Mbappe continues to grow closer.

On the Daily Briefing, Romano reports: “For Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid, everything is going in the right direction. We are just waiting now for the contract to be signed, and Real Madrid are preparing a special official announcement, so they are more than confident that it’s all going in the right direction.”

Mbappe is set to play his last European match for PSG at Parc des Princes on Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund.