Yet another report has linked AC Milan with a move for Franco Mastantuono, the latest River Plate talent to go viral.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport recall, a few days ago Mastantuono was in the headlines for a simply magical free-kick. It wasn’t just any goal though, it was one that announced him on the biggest stage in Argentine football: in the Superclasico, against Boca Juniors.
AEK Athens coach Matías Almeyda spoke about that particular striker, and he made a bold statement: “After Diego Maradona, it didn’t seem like there would be any heirs, but then Leo Messi arrived. And I say that now is Franco Mastantuono’s time.”
With three goals and two assists in nine games this season, Mastantuono and his wand of a left foot are attracting the eyes of many. River Plate sold Claudio Echeverri to Manchester City a year ago, the the then-coach Demichelis had no doubts: “Mastantuono is stronger than him.”
Milan and Inter on alert
Inter and Milan were among the first clubs to come forward for him. Credit goes to the scouts, but also to the relationships built up over time there. The Nerazzurri in particular enjoy the charisma of Javier Zanetti.
The moves of the two Milanese clubs, however, were not enough to distance their competitors. Real Madrid soon came forward, as did Barcelona, as well as the omnipresent Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain.
The result? At the moment, Los Milionarios are enjoying their new star, also anticipating a call from Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. For now, Franco has stood out in the Under 20s, but the whispers of a call to the senior team of the Albiceleste are increasingly recurrent.
While Mastantuono’s value keeps rising, a clause of $46m has already been set in the contract signed in January 2024. Another matter is to win the approval of the player and his entourage. Formally he has no agents; his father is managing him for now.
Mastantuono’s future
In this story the economic aspects will be only partly decisive. No one wants to make hasty moves: River Plate for their part would be happy to close the deal next summer, keeping the player on loan for at least another season.
The teenager himself may be attracted by the idea of accumulating precious experience in the club where he grew up, without rushing his arrival in Europe too much. These are considerations that certainly influence the next moves.
One thing is certain: Inter and Milan at this stage must take into account that their rivals have very attractive economic and technical arguments. Circles close to River Plate suggest the most accredited clubs appear to be Manchester City and PSG. However, that can change.
