Real Madrid regain control in pursuit of €15m-rated Argentina talent as AC Milan cool interest | OneFootball

Real Madrid appear to be in a strong position to sign Franco Mastantuono now, as AC Milan have reportedly withdrawn from the race.

According to reports from Real Madrid Confidencial, the Italian club has decided to step away from negotiations, leaving Los Blancos with a clearer path to securing the young talent.

It must be noted that during the summer transfer window, Real Madrid made an attempt to sign Mastantuono.

However, River Plate were reluctant to let him leave and insisted on triggering his €45 million release clause, making the transfer difficult for any club to pursue at the time.

Real Madrid decided to wait

Real Madrid were close to finalising a deal but ultimately decided to hold back. Club president Florentino Perez opted for a patient approach, choosing to monitor the player’s progress rather than rushing into a costly investment.

This cautious decision has proven to be the right one, as Mastantuono has not delivered exceptional performances at River Plate in recent times.

His development has not accelerated as expected, and his market value remains relatively stagnant at around €15 million.

There is still some chance

Franco Mastantuono has failed to deliver in recent times. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

With his contract running until December 2026, next summer could be a crucial moment for River Plate to cash in on him.

Given the circumstances, Real Madrid could now negotiate a much more affordable deal, potentially securing his services for approximately €20-25 million.

Initially, Mastantuono had attracted attention from several top European clubs, but as time has passed, interest in him has dwindled. With his performances not standing out as much as anticipated, the excitement surrounding his potential move has faded.

Milan have exited the race

Italian sources suggest that AC Milan have now exited the race. The reason appears to be that Mastantuono has already opened talks with Real Madrid.

If all goes well, the Spanish giants could complete the signing at a price significantly lower than what River Plate initially demanded.

With AC Milan no longer in contention, Real Madrid have a real chance to secure a promising young midfielder without overspending.

If they move swiftly, they could add another bright talent to their squad at a bargain price compared to what was required just a few months ago.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.