Real Madrid tracking 17-year-old South American sensation; Chelsea, Man United also keen | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono has been on the radars of Real Madrid for some time now. The 17-year-old River Plate sensation has become one of the most coveted young footballers thanks to his meteoric rise to prominence in Argentina.

Despite his young age, the versatile attacking midfielder has already become one of the mainstays in the first-team setup for River Plate.

Real Madrid have had their sights on Mastantuono for a while now, but reports suggested that the Merengues had decided to end their pursuit of the teenage wonderkid.

Real Madrid back in for Mastantuono

However, now, according to SPORT, Real Madrid are back in the hunt for Mastantuono and are still tracking the Argentine playmaker closely.

A versatile operator capable of playing in multiple roles in the attacking third, someone like the teenage prodigy can be a good addition for Los Blancos, especially considering the uncertain futures of players like Luka Modric and Arda Guler.

Man in demand. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Mastantuono has a contract with River Plate which runs until December 31, 2026, but contains a release clause worth €45 million which can be activated to sign him.

Plenty of competition

However, the report states that Real Madrid will likely face competition from a host of other top European sides in pursuit of Franco Mastantuono.

After all, the Argentine is also being monitored by two Premier League heavyweights – Chelsea and Manchester United.

Furthermore, Atletico Madrid have also sent representatives to watch the 17-year-old in action while Barcelona are also interested, although their financial situation makes a move unlikely.

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid act on their continued interest in Mastantuono or let other big clubs swoop him away.