Fiorentina boost for Mastantuono as Real Madrid refuse River Plate return | OneFootball

Fiorentina received a boost with reports Real Madrid will only loan Franco Mastantuono within Europe, and not back to River Plate, making Italy the favourite destination.

The teenager turns 19 next month and was a massive €45m investment when Real Madrid bought him from River Plate last summer.

Inevitably, he has received very little playing time and is increasingly frustrated at the situation.

Mastantuono needs to be convinced

MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 14: Rahim Alhassane of Real Oviedo is challenged by Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Oviedo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho has reportedly informed the Argentina international that he should go out on loan this season, but there is considerable tension behind the scenes.

Multiple sources including Cope and Argentine transfer expert Cesar Luis Merlo warn that Mastantuono would prefer to go back to River Plate, but Real Madrid are only prepared to send him out on loan in Europe.

That means Fiorentina are once again the hot favourites, hoping to present themselves as the equivalent of Como for Nico Paz, a club where he can play and develop.

They need to convince the player that this is the best step for his career.