Paris Saint-Germain in talks to hijack Manchester United’s deal for Franco Mastantuono | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly opened talks over the signing of River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, who is also on Manchester United’s radar.

Mastantuono, who is considered among the most promising talents in Argentina, has been linked to United for a number of months now but speculation appears to have intensified over the past few days.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were considering triggering his £38 million release clause ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, Ruben Amorim’s side are not the only club reportedly keeping tabs on Mastantuono. European giants such as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid are also said to be admirers of the 17-year-old. In the Premier League, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been identified as teams showing interest.

Now, Germán García Grova has given an update on Mastantuono, indicating that PSG have kickstarted negotiations to get a deal over the line, ahead of other interested parties like United.

The South American journalist wrote on X, “PSG opened talks for Franco Mastantuono.”

“The French club has made him a priority and expressed its interest in signing him.”

“It joins a long list of clubs that investigated but did not move forward. River [Plate] as we anticipated, wants him to continue until the end of 2026.”

It’s clear why Mastantuono is attracting so much interest –  the attacking midfielder is a creative talent with outstanding technique and impressive dribbling skills.

Mastantuono possesses exceptional football IQ and spatial awareness, allowing him to exploit pockets of space on the pitch. A tricky player full of skill and unpredictability, he moves with great elegance and a silky touch. He’s also very direct in his play and, while not blisteringly fast, has good pace over both short and long distances.

In February 2024, he made history, becoming River Plate’s youngest-ever goalscorer at just 16 years, five months, and 25 days, and he now looks poised to play a key role for the club at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup in Miami.

The teenager has made 13 appearances for River this season and in that time, notched four goals and two assists. This tally includes a brilliant free-kick scored over the weekend against bitter rivals Boca Juniors.

By all accounts, Mastantuono looks to be the latest big talent to emerge from River’s famed academy after Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Claudio Echeverri.

Featured image Marcelo Endelli via Getty Images

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