Chelsea Want To Sign The 17-Year-Old River Plate Midfielder: Why Does The Club Want Him? | OneFootball

According to the latest report from Teamtalk, Chelsea are keeping tabs on the River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono and are looking to sign him. They are looking into the costs and duration of the contract for one of the world’s youngest prospects.

Franco Mastantuono is one of the young prospects in the world

They have been performing really well in the ongoing season under Enzo Maresca and are competing for the Premier League title along with Liverpool. Chelsea are fourth in the points table with 30 points in 20 matches. However, they have had a slump in their form in recent weeks. Marseca’s side are looking to sign new centre-backs and also enforce their forward options.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – NOVEMBER 10: Franco Mastantuono of River Plate kicks the ball during a Liga Profesional 2024 match between River Plate and Barracas Central at Estadio M·s Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on November 10, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

According to the same report, the Blues have been keeping tabs on the player for more than a year and have been in talks with River Plate. They are not in the first position in the line to sign the 17-year-old in the summer transfer window. They wanted to sign him in the ongoing winter transfer window, but it won’t be feasible as of now.

His current contract includes a substantial £38m (€45.7m, $47.5m) release clause, which could increase to £43m (€51.8m, $53.8m) as the transfer window progresses this month. This clause is maintained in such a way that the more time a club takes to sign him, the greater amount they have to pay River Plate, which in turn will help the club to sign a worthy replacement. However, the Argentine club would prefer that he leave in the summer and not in the middle of the season.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester United, and PSG are all interested in signing the 17-year-old. Hence, River Plate have a lot of options to offload the player and earn their profit. So, it is most likely that these clubs will present their offers in the summer transfer window, and hence River Plater will get the option to earn a hefty transfer fee for their player.

Why does Chelsea want him?

The 17-year-old midfielder for River Plate showcases remarkable qualities on the pitch. He is an excellent technical player and possesses fine ball control. The player is a good dribbler, which makes him a creative force in midfield. Mastantuono’s left foot is responsible for accurate passing and set pieces. The traits contribute perfectly to his team’s playmaking. He is mature enough despite his young age and hence leads and inspires teammates. Moreover, his physical attributes complement his skill set. The River Plater man is excellent in professional matches. His potential is seen as world-class, marking him as one of Argentina’s brightest prospects.