Chelsea lose, Arsenal might win as 'total agreement' reached for 'Argentine Foden'
Chelsea lose, Arsenal might win as 'total agreement' reached for 'Argentine Foden'
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The 17-year-old is the latest gem to emerge from the River Plate academy, which also nurtured the likes of Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.
Born in 2007, Mastantuono has already played 61 times for the River Plate first team despite his tender age, coming up with 10 goals and seven assists in the process.
The teenager's rapid rise to fame also saw him rewarded with a maiden Argentina call-up this month, and he made his senior Albiceleste debut in Friday's 1-0 World Cup 2026 Qualifying win over Chile as a late substitute.
However, Mastantuono is not anticipated to remain in South American for much longer, as top European clubs have been circling for months, ready to make an approach.
Real Madrid reach 'total agreement' with Mastantuono on personal terms
River Plate's Franco Mastantuono celebrates after scoring on April 27, 2025
River Plate's Franco Mastantuono celebrates after scoring on April 27, 2025
The 17-year-old - who has been labelled the 'Argentine Phil Foden' - is believed to have been on the radars of all of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester United, who all have until June 10 to make their first signings of the summer.
However, a day after it was reported that Real Madrid had made contact with Mastantuono's camp, Fabrizio Romano claims that the two parties have reached a 'total agreement' on personal terms.
Los Blancos are therefore on the verge of winning the 'battle' to sign the talented teenager, and all that is left is to agree a payment structure with River Plate.
Mastantuono's contract with the Argentinian giants - which expires in December 2026 - supposedly contains a £33.2m release clause, but Real and River Plate are negotiating a different financial package.
Such talks are already at their 'final' stages, though, and there is complete confidence that Mastantuono will soon become Real Madrid's newest recruit.
The Argentina international will join Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen at Xabi Alonso's new-look Real Madrid, who begin their Club World Cup campaign against Al-Hilal on June 18.
How Real signing Mastantuono could benefit Arsenal
Real Madrid's Rodrygo on December 22, 2024
While Chelsea and Man United will mourn what could have been with Mastantuono, the teenager's arrival at the Bernabeu has the potential to benefit their Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Mastantuono has predominantly played on the right-hand side of the attack in 2025, a position currently occupied by Rodrygo at Real Madrid, but the Argentine will no doubt have aspirations to become first-choice on that flank in the future.
As a result, greater competition for places could tempt Rodrygo into a move away amid links with Arsenal, who are understood to be all in on signing the Brazil international.
Pulling off a deal for Rodrygo would require a major financial commitment on the Gunners' side too, but Real's agreement for Mastantuono could very well make them more open to a sale for a reasonable price.
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