The hopes of La Liga giants Real Madrid of striking a deal for River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono have today been dealt a blow.
This comes amid confirmation that the Argentine talent has agreed to put pen to paper on fresh terms with River.
The name of midfielder Mastantuono has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Madrid over the course of the last week.
As much comes after reports stemming from the 16-year-old’s home country confirmed that the powers that be at the Santiago Bernabéu had identified Mastantuono as a prime target.
It was suggested that Real would attempt to thrash out a cut-price deal with their counterparts in Buenos Aires, which would see the midfielder – widely considered to be one of the standout talents in all of South America – make the move to Spain after turning 18.
But, as alluded to above, this week, such hopes have been dealt a considerable blow.
As per a report from Mundo Deportivo, citing Argentine sources, River and Mastantuono have come to an agreement on the terms of a new contract.
The deal in question will see the starlet tied down for an additional year, through the summer of 2026.
The issue for his many suitors, however, comes in the form of the inclusion of a new release clause.
MD add that any club hopeful of striking a deal for Mastantuono would now be forced to cough up a sum in the region of €45 million.
Conor Laird | GSFN
