Real Madrid blow Chelsea out of the water with wonderkid agreement

Tom Weber

Updated: 17 Jun 2024 04:23 CDT
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti during Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich, May 2024 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Franco Mastantuono, according to Spanish media.

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The River Plate wonderkid is one of South America's most in-demand young players and looks to be set for a big transfer. Reportedly eyed by the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd, the Argentine appears to be on the move to Spain instead.

Although it initially looked as though the Premier League outfits would have a solid chance of signing the 16-year-old - who won't be able to move to Europe until he turns 18 in August 2025 - Real Madrid have now blown Chelsea and Man Utd out of the water.

According to Sport, Los Blancos have reached an agreement with the player on personal terms after 'pressing the accelerator.' However, so far, a deal is far from done, with club-to-club talks still to follow.

Mastantuono's hefty price tag

Despite his tender years, Mastantuono already boasts a release clause worth a whopping €45 million, which makes him a significant and risky investment despite his obvious talent.

Real Madrid are now firmly in the lead for the signing of the left-footed attacking midfielder, but talks with River Plate may not be easy, with the Argentine side likely to hold out for his clause to be triggered.

Additionally, it is not yet clear when, in the event of a transfer being completed, the youngster would move to the Santiago Bernabeu. It is possible that Real Madrid may allow him to remain in Argentina for a bit longer, perhaps until the summer of 2026.

Either way, the above-mentioned report states that a deal looks to be imminent and the social media activity of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also indicates that things are moving in the right direction as far as the LaLiga and Champions League winners are concerned.