PSG target 'teenage prodigy' in transfer battle with European giants

Ajay Gandhar

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PSG target 'teenage prodigy' in transfer battle with European giants image

Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Argentine Primera Division continue to interest top European clubs and now Paris Saint-Germain has identified River Plate's 17-year-old prodigy Franco Mastantuono as their potential target.

According to TyC Sports and ESPN Argentina, PSG have Mastantuono as a priority target, and preliminary discussions have been initiated for his signature.

Mastantuono is the hottest proposition in the Primera Division right now, tallying four goals in 13 appearances this season, including a stunning free-kick goal in Sunday's Superclasico victory over Boca Juniors.

Mastantuono has a €45 million release clause, which can increase to €50 million in the final days of the transfer window.

 

Despite European interest, River Plate's general secretary Stefano Di Carlo told ESPN: "It's a certainty. He will stay until the end of 2025."

However, TNT Sports notes the club cannot prevent his departure if the release clause is triggered and the player accepts.

Mastantuono possesses an Italian passport through his grandmother but can't officially transfer until he turns 18 on August 14, just weeks before the European transfer deadline.

Other top clubs shows interest in the attacking midfielder

Real Madrid and Manchester United are also looking to lure River Plate's 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono, setting up a high-stakes battle for Argentina's brightest prospect with PSG in the mix too.

According to Diario AS (via Ole), Santiago Solari, Real Madrid's sporting director who could become interim manager following Carlo Ancelotti's expected departure to Brazil, has personally identified

Mastantuono as a priority signing for the upcoming Club World Cup campaign. 

Solari who has managed Madrid from October 2018 to March 2019 has an eye on the midfielder and believes that, he could immediately strengthen Los Blancos' attacking options with his exceptional technical ability and vision.

Meanwhile, Argentine outlet Soy del Millo reports Manchester United have already submitted a formal offer for Mastantuono, moving quickly to beat European rivals to his signature.

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Ajay Gandhar

Ajay Gandhar is a content producer for The Sporting News, working across our English-language editions.