Real Madrid step up transfer battle with PSG as Spanish giants ready €40m bid to ensure River Plate wonderkid joins Club World Cup squad

Real Madrid have reignited their pursuit of Franco Mastantuono as they attempt to hijack Paris Saint-Germain's efforts to sign the River Plate player.

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Article continues below

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  • Madrid re-enter race to sign Mastantuono
  • Los Blancos' interest in midfielder had cooled
  • PSG were closing in on transfer for Argentine
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Madrid are working hard to complete the signing of the 17-year-old before the Club World Cup, with reporting they have sent representatives to Buenos Aires to conduct negotiations with River Plate.

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  • AFP

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Over the past year, Madrid were believed to be the clear frontrunners to land his signature, as he reportedly snubbed a move to the Premier League in favour of 'waiting' for a call from Los Blancos. However, Madrid's unwillingness to trigger Mastantuono's €45 million (£38m/$51m) release clause allowed PSG to pull ahead in the race, and it was reported on Monday that the French giants appeared set to snap him up.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Mastantuono became River Plate's youngest ever scorer at 16 years, five months and 25 days old in February 2024. He has earned a call-up to the Argentina senior national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, which could see him make his debut at an even younger age than Lionel Messi did.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MASTANTUONO?

    Madrid usually end up acquiring the players they really want to add to their squad. Given Mastantuono's first and only preference to join the Spanish giants, a deal could be fast-tracked in the coming days, with the expectation that he could be a part of the Club World Cup squad.

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