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It has been the Arda Guler saga all over again for Real Madrid and Franco Mastantuono this summer as Los Blancos once again turned up at the last moment to lure the player away after he had an agreement with another club.
Unlike Guler who was close to Barcelona, Mastantuono was inching closer to signing for PSG when Real Madrid stepped in and took control. They now have an agreement in place and the deal appears to be all but official.
In the young midfielder, the men in white have secured arguably the biggest young talent in world football and a player who is seen to be the next big thing.
His release clause stands at €45 million and Real Madrid are willing to fork out that sum but the deal has hit a small hurdle in recent hours after it came to light that the actual fee could soar much higher.
River Plate president speaks
Speaking to the media earlier today, River Plate president Jorge Brito was asked to speak about the talented midfielder’s rumoured departure and whether it was indeed happening.
Set to join Real Madrid soon. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)
“Mastantuono’s departure? If the player wants to leave, let him leave, and whoever wants him has to pay the release clause in his contract,” he said, revealing that the door was indeed open to Mastantuono’s departure.
He then went on to reveal that the club would do no favours to any team looking to buy the youngster and that paying his release clause was the only feasible means through which the operation could go through.
“There’s no room for negotiation about that [Paying the release clause].”
Staying on the topic of the Argentine attacking midfielder, the club president made a massive claim about his talent and endless potential that has been hyped a lot in recent years.
“Mastantuono is one of the most important talents to emerge in the last 20 to 30 years in Argentina.”
Source: Cenital
Real Madrid icon heaps praise on PSG midfielder amid transfer links – ‘One of the best’
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Real Madrid legend Luka Modric, who is set to leave the club after the FIFA Club World Cup, has spoken glowingly of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinh.
In a recent interview with NOVA TV, Modric, who has been instrumental in Madrid’s midfield dominance for over a decade, did not hold back in his praise for the PSG star.
“Vitinha is one of the best, if not the best, midfielders. The other day, when he came on at halftime, he once again made a big difference,” said the Croatian veteran.
“He had a phenomenal season. He helps the team play better, he is a game organiser and he is indispensable to the team.
“He showed that in the Champions League and with the national team. In my opinion, he was perhaps the best midfielder last season. He is excellent on the ball, I really like him,” added the Real Madrid midfielder
Modric’s admiration for the 25-year-old arrives at a time when Real Madrid are actively searching for a long-term successor to orchestrate their midfield.
With the legendary Croatian set to depart, the club’s need for a top-tier playmaker has become urgent.
Zubimendi and others on Madrid’s radar
Modric has praised Vitinha. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
It must be noted that Real Madrid have already shown interest in Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. While the Spaniard fits the tactical profile, his €60 million release clause has proved to be a sticking point.
The club had also monitored Angelo Stiller, but that move has now been ruled out due to tactical mismatches and financial considerations.
This has led Madrid to widen their search, and Vitinha’s name has resurfaced in internal discussions.
Although no official bid has been made, earlier reports had already linked the former Porto man with a potential move to the Bernabeu as a natural heir to Modric’s role.
Following a brilliant campaign that included a key role in PSG’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph, Vitinha’s stock has never been higher. As such, PSG are understandably reluctant to entertain offers.