Real Madrid close to loaning Mastantuono to Fiorentina after friendly interest | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Real Madrid are close to sending Franco Mastantuono on loan to Fiorentina after the Italians showed interest during a friendly in Austria. The player has approved the move, with only the wage split left to settle.

Mastantuono had been on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain and even spoke by phone with Luis Enrique, but Madrid stepped in to complete his signing after Santiago Solari flagged the River Plate prospect.

Xabi Alonso called him last summer and promised minutes while Jude Bellingham recovered from shoulder surgery. The Argentine arrived and initially received notable game time, though he was shifted to the right despite being left-footed. He started seven of the first nine league matches and scored one goal.

Bellingham’s return reduced his opportunities. He struggled with the European tempo, lingering on the ball, and after Xabi was replaced by Arbeloa he started only two of the last 10, the third-from-last and the final game with the title already gone.

This summer José Mourinho used him in training matches against Alcorcón and Leganés, then advised a loan to secure minutes elsewhere. Mastantuono wanted River, but Madrid preferred Europe to aid monitoring and adaptation.

Fiorentina are viewed as a good fit, with a young squad, coach Grosso assembling his group and the chance to absorb Italian tactical habits. It now appears the Viola will be his destination after a call from sporting director Fabio Paratici to Florentino Pérez. Roma, Milan and Fulham had also made enquiries, while Benfica was discussed through Mourinho’s direct line.

The 63.2 million euros fee continues to weigh on him. His last competitive goal came on 20 January and he is yet to register an assist, though Madrid still believe he can become an important figure.

He turns 19 on 14 August, and the club want him to feel valued again.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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