Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono transfer decision nearing as Fiorentina steps up pursuit
The Argentine teenager’s future could be decided soon as the Serie A club intensifies efforts to land one of soccer’s top young talents.
Sometimes the most important game isn’t the one taking place on the field.
While Real Madrid and Fiorentina meet in a preseason friendly on Saturday, the Italian club is also playing another match behind the scenes, one that could shape its season. Fiorentina is pushing to secure the loan signing of Franco Mastantuono, and club executives believe the timing could hardly be better.
The Viola have sent two of their top decision-makers to Klagenfurt for the occasion: sporting director Fabio Paratici and CEO Alessandro Ferrari.
Fiorentina sees an opportunity
Fiorentina is among the clubs most interested in signing the highly rated Argentine, and the club hopes to wrap up a deal this week.
The recent completion of Real Madrid academy defender Víctor Valdepeñas’ transfer to Fiorentina has helped strengthen the relationship between the two clubs, creating what the Serie A side believes is the perfect moment to intensify negotiations.
Real Madrid wants a quick resolution
Real Madrid is eager to settle Mastantuono’s immediate future as soon as possible.
That is why the winger remained in Madrid instead of traveling to Austria for the friendly. The club did not want to risk an injury that could jeopardize a potential loan move before the new season.
River Plate return ruled out
Although people close to the player have recently revisited the possibility of a return to River Plate, sources at Real Madrid have dismissed that scenario. The expectation inside the club is that Mastantuono will remain in Europe.
Fiorentina does face one significant disadvantage. The Italian club will not compete in European competition this season. However, it is actively searching for a creative attacking player capable of making a difference in the final third, and it can offer Mastantuono consistent playing time.
The club also believes Serie A provides an ideal environment for young talent to develop. Nico Paz enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Italy last season despite playing for a club that was also absent from European competition.
A decision that could shape his future
Real Madrid continues to evaluate all available options and has no intention of forcing Mastantuono into a destination against his wishes.
Even so, the final decision will be made jointly by the club and the player, given what is at stake. The coming season is viewed as a pivotal one in the development of the young Argentine, who is still officially registered as Real Madrid’s No. 30.
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