La Derecha Diario Atlético Madrid is closely following Franco Mastantuono's steps
The team led by 'Cholo' Simeone has its sights set on the young talent from River and is determined to add him to its ranks after the Club World Cup
This Saturday, two Atlético Madrid scouts were at the Estadio Más Monumental, in the match between River and Rosario Central, to closely follow the performance of Franco Mastantuono. Cholo Simeone trusts that the young Millonario is the ideal player for the 2025/2026 season.
Atlético Madrid, which was recently eliminated in the Champions League round of 16 by Real Madrid and has lost ground in La Liga, where it is currently third, is already planning the next season. As part of this strategy, the club seeks to strengthen its squad and considers Mastantuono as one of the best options.
With the possible departure of Ángel Correa and Antoine Griezmann, the Colchonero remains firm in its interest in the young Millonario prospect, who has already shown his talent in the Argentine U-17 team and is emerging as one of the great figures of Argentine soccer.
Rumors of a possible offer from Atlético were reinforced this Saturday, as two representatives of the Spanish club were at the Monumental to watch the match between River and Rosario Central, with Mastantuono as their main target. Although his release clause is set at €45,000,000, the Madrid club plans to offer just over $30,000,000 to sign him after the Club World Cup.
If Mastantuono's transfer to Atlético Madrid is completed, the young midfielder would join the extensive list of Argentines currently in the Madrid team. Currently, the Colchonero has 6 Argentine players: Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Ángel Correa, Giuliano Simeone, and Julián Álvarez.
Other interested parties:
Besides Atlético Madrid, several clubs from the old continent are closely following Mastantuono's performances. One of them is Liverpool, which showed its interest in the past transfer market and, according to English media, was willing to pay the release clause. Other Premier League teams are reportedly interested in him, such as Chelsea and Arsenal, but the Reds' inquiry was the most evident.
Outside of England, he is also being followed by Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Milan, although the price set by River to release him would be the main obstacle, as they consider it a very high price for a future prospect.
Franco Mastantuono's career at River
The midfielder from Azul made his professional debut on January 28, 2024, when, at just 16 years old, he came on in the second half in place of Facundo Colidio in the 1-1 draw between River and Argentinos Juniors.
A month later, Mastantuono made history by becoming the club's youngest scorer after scoring in the Copa Argentina against Excursionistas, surpassing Javier Saviola's record. Since then, he has played 47 matches and scored 5 goals with River's jersey, establishing himself as one of the greatest promises from the youth academy.
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