Real Madrid attacker heading towards the exit door amid interest from Fulham, Fiorentina | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono was one of Real Madrid’s big-name signings last summer as he joined from River Plate for a fortune, that too at the age of just 18.

But after a promising start, Mastantuono’s impact faded as Xabi Alonso barely utilised his qualities. Injuries didn’t help either, while the forward struggled to capitalise on the opportunities he was given.

Things didn’t improve under Alvaro Arbeloa, and Mastantuono ended up enduring a difficult debut campaign, at the end of which he was even omitted from Argentina’s World Cup squad.

Comeback is not happening for Mastantuono

Mastantuono is unlikely to be a part of Mourinho’s plans. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Now, according to Diario AS, it appears Mastantuono is slowly heading towards the exit door at Real Madrid, and everything suggests he might leave the club on loan.

His first pre-season outing against Alcorcon offered little encouragement. Although he started and won a penalty, that brief spark quickly faded, and the Argentine once again failed to impose the style of play that convinced Real Madrid to spend €63 million on him.

The club still believe in the youngster, but there is a growing sense that he needs a loan spell to rediscover his form.

The plan would be simple: a year elsewhere to gain minutes, string together strong performances and return to the Bernabeu ready to compete.

Mourinho has been assessing him closely and, as ever, is committed to the club’s best interests. If Real Madrid give the green light, Franco will leave.

Who is interested in Mastantuono?

A loan exit is likely for Mastantuono. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Should a loan be sanctioned, there is no shortage of suitors, with the destination set to be evaluated in line with Mastantuono’s own preferences.

Fulham lead the race, and the appeal is obvious given they have appointed Arbeloa as their new manager.

The Spaniard worked with Mastantuono last season, and the London club are shaping up as an ambitious project after narrowly missing out on European qualification.

Fiorentina are the latest name to join the race from Serie A, offering another route to regular football.

A return to Argentina, however, has been ruled out, with Real Madrid keen for him to test himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues.