PSG appear to have the upper hand over Real Madrid and Manchester United in the race to sign Franco Mastantuono, one of South America’s most promising young talents, ahead of the summer transfer window.
The French club has been closely monitoring the 16-year-old River Plate midfielder, withTyC Sports journalist Germán García Grova reporting that PSGhave already opened talks andview Mastantuono as a top target.
Manchester United, however, have shown the most concrete interest to date, according totransfer insider César Luis Merlo. The Premier League side has reportedly sent scouts to watch Mastantuono in personand is fully aware of his €45 million release clause—a factor that could play amajor role in how the pursuit develops.
What’s the latest PSG landing Manchester United, Real Madrid target
Franco Mastantuono
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On Friday, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that PSGare in serious talks to sign Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. The dealisn’t done yet, but initial contact hasbeen made.
🚨 Paris Saint-Germain are in concrete talks to sign Franco Mastantuono from River.
Not a done deal yet but initial contacts made as per @GerGarciaGrova.
◉ No issues on Cunha deal.
◉ Luis Diaz/Hancko in Al Nassr list.
◉ Walker leaves Milan.
🎥 More: https://t.co/SqPak8pfYY pic.twitter.com/RHiV9FSYhd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2025
Journalist Graeme Bailey recently shared that Man Utd is in talks with the young talent, but the player prefers a move to Madrid. Still, any transfer won’t take place before 2026.
“United have spoken to his people this week,” Bailey toldUnited in Focus. “However, the thing with Mastantuono is that although he turns 18 in August, I have had it confirmed to me that he won’t be moving until 2026.
“United are in the running, but the plan wasn’t for him to move this summer anyway. Real Madrid are in the driving seat, but United are not out of the equation.
“I don’t think anyone will pay his €45m (£38m) release clause, though. But hereally does want to join Madrid, however, we will have to see because there isn’treally room for him at Madrid.
“But over the last 10 days, United have definitely held talks with him. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also interested.”
Diario Olé recently reported that PSG have entered the race for Franco Mastantuono, joining the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, and several other top European clubs.