Real Madrid beat PSG to Franco Mastantuono transfer as €40m deal agreed with River Plate for Argentine wonderkid

Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Argentine wonderkid Mastantuono from River Plate on a six-year deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish giants beat stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who were once in the driver's seat to acquire the services of the talented teenager.

Mastantuono had been linked with Madrid since 2023, but the deal never progressed until PSG entered the race and became the favourites to snap him up this summer. However, the River Plate superstar will now join Los Blancos, who are set to fork out a €40 million ($45m/£34m) fee. The amount will be paid in installments, according to Romano. Although the deal has been agreed, the move is yet to be officially announced by either club. River Plate will first request that Madrid allow them to keep Mastantuono for the Club World Cup. If that happens, the 17-year-old will arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu in August.

Real Madrid's chief scout, Juni Calafat, personally travelled to Buenos Aires to meet with Mastantuono's family and his entourage. The player himself preferred to join the 15-time European champions, with reports from Spain claiming that he stalled negotiations with all interested clubs in order to wait for the call from Madrid to arrive. What's more, new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso personally had a phone call with the youngster to explain to him his role and where he would fit into his project. Mastantuono appreciated the call and it convinced him to reject PSG's advances.

Mastantuono can next be seen in action on Wednesday, June 11, when Argentina take on 2024 Copa America runners-up Colombia in a World Cup qualifying game. He could also face his future employers, Real Madrid, at the Club World Cup, should River Plate meet the La Liga giants in the knockout stages of the tournament.