Franco Mastantuono sends message to Man Utd over £38m summer transfer
The teen is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in South American football.
Franco Mastantuono has distanced himself from rumours of a possible move to Manchester United this summer, insisting he remains fully ‘committed’ to River Plate.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder made his senior debut for River Plate in January 2024 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the brightest young talents in South American football over the last year-and-a-half.
This term, Mastantuono has racked up four goals and two assists for the Buenos Aires-based outfit and the Argentina Under-20 international is fast becoming the star man in Marcelo Gallardo’s starting XI.
The youngster’s stock rose further still with an exceptional individual performance in River Plate’s Superclasico victory over bitter rivals Boca Juniors at the weekend.
Many of Europe’s elite clubs are already beginning to sit up and take notice, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all circling for Mastantuono.
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According to Argentine newspaper Infobae, United have shown ‘the most concrete interest’ in recent days, but it’s claimed the Old Trafford giants face an uphill battle in securing a deal for the teenager.
The report states that River Plate have no intention of selling Mastantuono, unless the player himself expresses a desire to move on. It would also require a club to pay the player’s €45million (£38m) release clause in full.
