Manchester United have found an ally to thwart Pep Guardiola’s plans to sign young Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono, as Manchester City seek a new push at River Plate.
At 16, Mastantuono has caught the attention of top European clubs after impressing in the academy and making his first-team debut for River Plate in January.
With ten appearances and one goal, the central attacking midfielder has left a lasting impression on scouts around the world. The support of former Manchester City player and current River Plate coach Martin Demichelis has added weight to his potential and considered him a diamond in the rough with a promising future.
The Premier League is in dispute over the signing of Franco Mastantuono
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, top European clubs have been closely monitoring Mastantuono’s development, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea leading the race for his services. Manchester City in particular are confident thanks to links with Demichelis and River Plate, which could give them a competitive advantage.
However, Manchester United is not far behind in the race. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expressed an interest in signing young talent to build a formidable team and sees Mastantuono as having the potential to become a world-renowned star. Ratcliffe is likely to make a tempting offer for the Argentine teenager, highlighting United’s ambitions and hinting at possible uncertainties surrounding Manchester City’s future under Guardiola.
Aware of the growing interest in its young company, River Plate has taken steps to protect its assets by extending Mastantuono’s contract and increasing his release clause to a significant amount. In doing so, the Argentine club hopes to secure the future of its most prized gem as it prepares to face the rigorous scrutiny of European clubs in the transfer window.