Another South American recruit for Real Madrid? Los Blancos battling it out with AC Milan for Argentina wonderkid

According to Calciomercato, Real Madrid will face fierce competition to sign River Plate and Argentina sensation Franco Mastantuono, with Italian heavyweights AC Milan joining the race to lure the teenage prodigy away from his current club.

Mastantuono has long been on the radar of Los Blancos, who have somewhat monopolised the South American market in the last seven years to scout and snap the biggest talents emerging from the continent.

Multiple reports from Spain confirmed last year that the club already had a verbal agreement in place with River Plate, with only the financial details left to be finalised. However, those talks seem to have stalled, at least for now, given that Mastantuono is just 17 years old. With his contract expiring on December 31, 2026, a big move to one of Europe's big clubs seems inevitable.

With Real Madrid apparently cooling their interest in the Argentine, Milan are reportedly on the lookout to seize this opportunity and sign one of South America's most talented prospects. It has been reported that River Plate are planning to include a new €45 million release clause into his contract, however.

The River Plate playmaker had a bright start to the 2025 season, scoring in Los Millonarios' 2-0 win over San Martin during the weekend. It was his first appearance of the season following his involvement in the South American U20 Championship. He will next be seen on Saturday, March 1, when River Plate host Estudiantes.