Galatasaray join race to sign Real Madrid talent amid uncertain future – report | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono’s future at Real Madrid remains one of the biggest talking points heading into the new season, with another club now entering the race for the highly-rated youngster. 

According to Turkish journalist Yakup Çınar, Galatasaray have expressed interest in signing the Argentine midfielder as he looks for regular first-team football after a frustrating debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The latest Real Madrid transfer news suggests that interest in the 18-year-old continues to grow across Europe, with several clubs monitoring his situation.

Galatasaray become latest club to target Mastantuono

According to the journalist, the Turkish side is closely following Franco Mastantuono and views the Real Madrid youngster as a potential solution for the club’s number 10 role.

The report claims the Lions are aware that Mastantuono is looking for more playing time after struggling to establish himself during his first season in Madrid. 

With competition for places expected to increase under Jose Mourinho, a temporary or permanent move away from the Santiago Bernabeu is becoming an increasingly realistic possibility.

Galatasaray are interested in Mastantuono. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)

Notably, Galatasaray’s interest adds another option for the Argentine, whose technical ability and creative qualities continue to attract attention despite an inconsistent campaign.

The midfielder arrived at Real Madrid last summer carrying enormous expectations, but adapting to the demands of one of the world’s biggest clubs proved more challenging than anticipated.

Mastantuono facing uncertain future

Mastantuono found opportunities difficult to come by under both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, never managing to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup.

Even when fully fit, the Argentine struggled to produce the level of performance expected of him, something that has been acknowledged by both the player and those close to him. 

Rather than looking for excuses, there is an acceptance that his first year at the club did not unfold as planned.

Real Madrid are yet to decide on Mastantuono. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As a result, Franco Mastantuono’s future at Real Madrid has become the subject of growing speculation throughout the summer transfer window, and interest has certainly not been lacking.

Former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, now in charge of Fulham, has already been linked with several players from his former club, and Mastantuono is believed to be among the names admired by the Premier League side.

Villarreal also explored the possibility of signing the teenager earlier in the summer, with a move that would have allowed him to remain in La Liga. 

However, those discussions ultimately failed to progress into a deal.

Now, Galatasaray have been mentioned, and it remains to be seen what decision Mourinho takes.