Real Madrid look to capitalise on Barcelona's financial troubles by snapping up River Plate youngster Franco Mastantuono

Mastantuono has attracted the attention of top European clubs with his impressive performances. According to Sport, Real Madrid have taken decisive steps to outmanoeuvre other suitors like Barcelona and Manchester United in the pursuit of the 16-year-old midfielder, with the Spanish giants having already initiated discussions with River Plate.

Barcelona, initially keen on securing Mastantuono's services, have reluctantly withdrawn from the race due to financial constraints as they are not in a position to seal any deal until next season. Madrid have made the most of the situation and have allegedly held two meetings with River Plate. The first one was headed by Juni Calafat while the second was attended by Jose Sanchez, the No.2 at the Santiago Bernabeu after president Florentino Perez. The club aims to finalise the deal and bring Mastantuono to Europe once he turns 18, just as they have done in the past with Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Endrick.

Mastantuono has a release clause of €45m (£39m/$49m) which will allegedly rise to €50m (£43m/$ 54m) in the final 10 days of the upcoming summer transfer window. However, Madrid are unconvinced by the hefty price tag and will be negotiating to thrash out a lower transfer fee.

River Plate have already flogged Claudio Echeverri to Manchester City for a reported €30m (£26m/$32m) fee and they now want to sell Mastantuono at a higher price and set a new record for Argentine football for the sale of a youth player. The forward has found the net twice for River Plate - one in the Copa Libertadores and the other in the Copa Argentina. He will next be in action against Nacional on May 7 in the Libertadores.