Benfica join race to sign Real Madrid forward as exit nears | OneFootball

It’s expected that several Real Madrid first team players will leave before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August. Raul Asencio and Eduardo Camavinga are both candidates after being told that they do not count for head coach Jose Mourinho, while it’s also very likely that Franco Mastantuono departs on loan.

Mastantuono had a tough first season at Real Madrid following his €45m move from River Plate last summer. He struggled to command a regular starting spot, and with Yan Diomande poised to join from RB Leipzig, he will fall further down the pecking order in the right wing position, where there is also Brahim Diaz, Bernardo Silva and Endrick Felipe as options.

Because of this, Real Madrid want Mastantuono to leave on loan, with the intention being that he reaps the same benefits as Endrick did during his temporary stay at Lyon during the second half of last season. Alvaro Arbeloa is keen to be reunited with him at Fulham, while Fiorentina are also keen, although both clubs could be set to miss out to Benfica, with Sergio Valentin reported that the Portuguese giants are interested in the Argentine winger.

Real Madrid would prioritise loan to Europe-competing club

As was the case with Endrick, Real Madrid want Mastantuono to join a club competing in European competition. Fulham and Fiorentina are not, which is why Benfica would have a significant advantage if they make a serious move for the 18-year-old, given that they are currently in the Europa League.

There is sure to be movement with Mastantuono in the coming weeks. A decision is likely to be made once Real Madrid have wrapped up the signing of Diomande, whose arrival will guarantee that the Argentine winger can leave in search for regular minutes, which will also ensure that he can keep developing.