As revealed by CaughtOffside, Arsenal are looking to beat elite European clubs to the signing of River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono.
The 17-year-old is considered to be one of the most exciting talents in the Serie A. He is grabbing eyeballs with his performances this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 27 games.
Mastantuono is described as the pearl of Argentinian football by the Athletic. The teenager is slowly rising at the international stage with recent appearances for the U17 and U19s.
I would like Arsenal to be there for Franco Mastantuono. That’s a zone dominator with everything you need for UCL big moments. Can receive heavy contact too and carry on, no problem.
Destroyer of teams from the middle. Think KDB without the passing + garra chaurra. pic.twitter.com/V5klLEC0wG
— AI (@nonewthing) May 7, 2024
He can play as an attacking midfielder or even as a wide attacker. He is a sturdy technician and likes to find pockets of space. He can cut in through his left foot and links up week with the attackers. The 5’11 star also loves testing the keeper with his long shots.
ARSENAL SHOWING FIRM INTEREST IN MASTANTUONO
Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid have expressed interest in the Los Millonarios star. He has a €45 million (£39m) release clause, and the top clubs have the financial resources to strike a deal.
Gunner’s director, Edu Gaspar, is working tirelessly to leapfrog others in this tight race. Mastantuono is eligible for an Italian passport through his grandmother and hence can play in England.
‼️Chelsea and Arsenal are among the latest clubs to show a strong interest in the potential transfer of River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono.
~ @caughtoffside pic.twitter.com/TUOz6I9lVD
— The Blues Hub (@Theblueshub24) October 1, 2024
Arsenal needs to dive into the South American market since it has started to produce some really interesting players from the last few years.
River Plate have already released talents such as Claudio Echeverri and Julian Alvarez, both of them preferring Manchester City. Hence, the Gooners need to be quick or risk losing the versatile playmaker to other elites.
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They can agree on a deal now and let him develop in Buenos Aires before signing him when he turns 18.
The North London outfit needs fresh, hungry players in the centre of the field. Ethan Nwaneri’s resurgence is an example of their belief in talented youngsters.
It will be a stern challenge for Mastantuono to get his spot in the main team since there is increased competition for places. However, moving to the Emirates could mean a start to a bright future at the height of the European game.
