Manchester United have reportedly taken a big step in their negotiations for Franco Mastantuono as Real Madrid hand Rúben Amorim’s club the ultimate advantage.
Rúben Amorim is looking for reinforcements to add to his attacking line as he prepares for his first full season as Manchester United’s head coach.
While the club are aiming to sign a striker this summer, they are also looking to secure players who can operate as Amorim’s attacking midfielders, who operate within the half-spaces of the pitch while relying on the wing-backs to provide width.
United are close to securing the £62.5 million transfer of Matheus Cunha this summer, with the 25-year-old Brazilian set to become the club’s first signing this summer.
However, they are also looking to continue adding young reinforcements to their squad, with it being expected that the club could sign as many as three new forwards this summer.
United take step in Mastantuono talks
United have been closely linked with 17-year-old River Plate winger Franco Mastantuono for a significant portion of 2025, with the Argentinian player proving himself as one of the most exciting prospects in football.
The Old Trafford club are not the only side chasing him, with Mastantuono being credited with links to Chelsea, Barcelona, and AC Milan in the last few weeks – although it seems as if United have taken a big step.
It was revealed a few days ago that United had informed River Plate that they were not able to pay the player’s £38 million release clause, but a new report from TyC Sports has stated that the club are now willing to match the amount of money, as long as it is paid in installments.
Among Mastantuono’s growing list of suitors, the report states that United are the English club who have taken important steps in talks for the player alongside Marseille, with both clubs having travelled to Argentina for face-to-face talks with River Plate sporting director Enzo Francescoli.
Real Madrid hand United ultimate boost
Further, the report states that the player has told all European clubs that, foremost, Real Madrid are the side he is waiting for, but according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Los Blancos’ interest in the teenager is not too strong.
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With Madrid clearly not overly fond of committing £38 million to the player, this hands United the ultimate advantage of now being Mastantuono’s most attractive realistic destination for his development.
Since the arrival of Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada as technical director and CEO, the club have pivoted back toward a transfer policy of signing young players whom they can nurture and grow into first-team players under Amorim, and Mastantuono fits the bill perfectly.
A player who can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger, he has a fantastic profile that could thrive in Amorim’s wide forward positions for years to come.
As he does not turn 18 until 14 August, United will have to wait until this date to get his signing over the line, as Brexit rules prevent clubs from signing foreign players under the age of 18.
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