Chelsea are among the clubs following River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono.
The 17-year-old has impressed for the Argentine club since making his way into their first team earlier this year. He managed three goals and three assists from 40 games so far.
Mastantuono is attracting interest from European clubs and Chelsea are included in this list, according to River Noticias.
It’s claimed the Blues have their eyes on the attacking midfielder and ‘plan to go all out’ to try and secure his services. This has put River Plate ‘on alert’ even though they have no intention of negotiating a deal for his sale.
The Argentina U20 international has a €45m release clause in a contract that lasts until December 2026.
Journalist Renzo Pantich has backed up Chelsea’s desire to sign the youngster and Soy del Milo have relayed his comments. He claims to have gathered information from someone close to Mastantuono about his future.
“Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid want Franco Mastantuono. The footballer has decided, I know from someone in his family, to stay at River until he comes of age,” he said.
Mastantuono will turn 18 years of age in August 2025 and has decided to stay at River Plate until then.
In other words, Chelsea have to convince the player and pay the €45m clause to agree a deal for him.