Real Madrid Are in ‘Driving Seat' to Edge Manchester United, PSG for £38M-Rated Argentine Wonderkid
Real Madrid might be quietly preparing to jump into the race for a PSG target who's also attracting interest from Manchester City and Manchester United.
PSG have been keeping a close eye on River Plate's Franco Mastantuono as the summer transfer window approaches. TyC Sports journalist Germán García Grova revealed that PSG has already started talks and views Mastantuono as a top priority. The French club now joins a growing list of teams tracking the promising Argentine.
Transfer insider César Luis Merlo shared that Manchester United has shown the strongest interest so far, even sending scouts to watch Mastantuono in person. The Premier League club is also aware of his €45 million release clause, which could play a big role in how the battle to sign him unfolds.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that Man Utd are in talks with the young talent, but the player wants to join Madrid. However, any transfer won't happen before 2026.
'United have spoken to his people this week,' Bailey told United 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 he really does want to join Madrid, however, we will have to see because there isn't really 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.'
PSG have entered the race for Mastantuono, joining Real Madrid, Manchester United, and several other top European clubs, according to Diario Olé.
The report adds that six Premier League teams are showing interest, including new champions Liverpool, as well as Arsenal and Chelsea. Mastantuono is under contract with River Plate through December 2027 and has a €45 million release clause. He has yet to decide on his next move.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Milan push for Xhaka with Thiaw to tempt Bayer Leverkusen
Multiple sources confirm fresh talks between Milan and Bayer Leverkusen for Granit Xhaka, who is open to the move, with Malick Thiaw potentially part of the deal. It was already reported over the last few days that Xhaka was a primary target for new coach Max Allegri, who already brought in valuable experience and class to his midfield with free agent Luka Modric. Advertisement Now Fabrizio Romano, Florian Plettenburg and are among those all confirming that new contact was made over the weekend, with talks progressing well. Xhaka enthusiastic about Milan move MAINZ, GERMANY – MAY 17: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen arrives at the stadium prior to the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at MEWA Arena on May 17, 2025 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by) Crucially, Milan are one of the clubs that Xhaka would be prepared to leave Bayer Leverkusen for and his entourage is enthusiastic. The Rossoneri can also lower the cost of the operation by including defender Thiaw as part of the deal. MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 05: Malick Thiaw of AC Milan controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Real Madrid C.F. and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by) note that the versatile defender, who turns 24 in August, had already been targeted by Bayer Leverkusen in the past. Involving him could therefore lead to a significant discount in the push for Swiss veteran Xhaka.
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
🌎 The Club World Cup guide to...Paris Saint-Germain
Our guide to all 32 clubs participating at the FIFA Club World Cup continues. You can check out the full list so far here. Today we're looking Saint-Germain. How did they qualify for the Club World Cup? Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the USA this summer through the UEFA confederation rankings table. The French side have accrued 85 points over the last four-year period - the fourth-best of any European club. History at the Club World Cup 📸 MAHMUD HAMS - AFP or licensors Advertisement This will be the first time PSG have participated in the Club World Cup. The closest the French side have previously come to anything like the Club World Cup was all the way back in 1975 when they played host to the Tournoi des Paris - a four-way tournament that included South American champions Fluminense and European Cup winners Feyenoord. How did they perform in the 2024/25 season? PSG have been the best team in Europe this season, winning the Treble - Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League. Their 5-0 triumph over Inter in the final in Munich was widely hailed as the best performance in the competition in decades. Who is the coach? Spanish tactician Luis Enrique serves as PSG's head coach. He was appointed in July 2023 and has since extended his contract until June 2027. Under the former Barcelona boss, PSG have become, arguably, Europe's most complete side with one of the most potent attacks in the world. Who is their star player? After adopting a policy of signing the world's most famous players for almost a decade, the French giants have opted instead to go for team cohesion over social media numbers. As such, winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is now arguably their most recognisable name. Expected performance at the Club World Cup Despite being drawn in a tough group, if this season's performances are anything to go by, PSG can comfortably be considered one of the favourites. 📸 KARIM JAAFAR - AFP or licensors
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Everton join race for Mainz's Anthony Caci
TEAMtalk reports that Everton have joined the race to sign Mainz 05 wingback Anthony Caci. The Frenchman has previously been linked with Fulham and Leeds United. Entering the final year of his Bundesliga contract, Caci maintains a career high estimated market value of €12m. Whether Mainz remain amenable to selling Caci remains to be seen. The 27-year-old played an important role for Bo Henriksen's Rheinhessen this season, successfully filling in as a right wingback and even as central defender. Advertisement With 32-year-old captain Silvan Widmer not factoring into Henriksen's plans much anymore, the Mainzer head coach will have to decide whether 22-year-old Nicolas Veratschnig is prepared to fill Caci's position. Thus far in the summer transfer window, Mainz have signed another left back but made no direct efforts to find a replacement for Caci. The 2025/26 German Conference League representatives will wish to keep a deep squad. The fact that Mainz's total outlays this summer – thanks to the purchase of Benedict Hollerbach – leave the club approximately €8.5 in the red may nevertheless facilitate a sale. Caci joined Mainz on a free from Strasbourg in July 2022. GGFN | Peter Weis
