Man United and Chelsea locked in pursuit of top teenage prospect | OneFootball

Man United and Chelsea Battle for £38m River Plate Starlet Amid Summer Transfer Plans

Franco Mastantuono on Premier League Radar

Manchester United and Chelsea are among several elite European clubs tracking River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono, according to The Daily Mail. The 17-year-old, who boasts a £38 million release clause—reportedly the highest in River Plate’s history—has become one of the most sought-after young midfielders in world football.

Mastantuono burst onto the scene in February 2024 by becoming River’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 16 years, five months and 25 days, eclipsing the long-standing record held by Javier Saviola. A technically gifted left-footer who often operates on the right, Mastantuono has already registered three goals and two assists in 11 appearances this season.

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With strong links to European powerhouses including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan, the race for his signature is intensifying ahead of a busy summer.

Manchester United Seek Firepower in Rebuild

Following a difficult domestic campaign—currently languishing 13th in the Premier League and out of all competitions barring the Europa League—Manchester United are planning a substantial overhaul under Ruben Amorim.

“If we don’t score goals nothing matters because in the end it is the result that counts, especially in these kinds of moments,” Amorim said after United’s 1-0 home defeat to Wolves, highlighting the club’s offensive struggles. United have netted only 38 goals in 33 league games, significantly behind rivals Tottenham and even Wolves.

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The pursuit of Mastantuono complements United’s ongoing interest in Ipswich striker Liam Delap and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, as the club look to inject youthful dynamism and long-term potential into their attack.

Chelsea Keeping Close Watch

Chelsea, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to scout Mastantuono up close during the Club World Cup in Miami this summer. The Blues are continuing to invest in youth following their success with former River Plate graduate Enzo Fernandez.

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Mastantuono’s trajectory follows a similar path, with expectations that he could feature in Lionel Scaloni’s senior Argentina squad by next summer’s World Cup, having already appeared for the U17 and U21 sides.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is the kind of news that gets fans talking. For United supporters, Franco Mastantuono represents a glimpse of the club’s potential future—a young, intelligent player who could thrive under a progressive manager like Amorim. The fee may seem steep, but in today’s market, £38 million for a top-tier teenage talent is more investment than gamble. After years of chasing short-term fixes, this feels like a return to values United once embodied: identify, develop, and unleash.

For Chelsea fans, the River Plate lineage is persuasive. Enzo Fernandez has already become a key figure at Stamford Bridge, and the idea of adding another technically gifted Argentine midfielder is understandably exciting. The Club World Cup will be a litmus test—not just of Mastantuono’s quality, but of Chelsea’s resolve in the market.

Both clubs want the next big thing. The question is, who will act fast enough to get him?