Real Madrid rule out January exit for two youngsters amid Italy interest – Romano | OneFootball

With the January transfer window almost upon us, Real Madrid have already made their first major operation – sanctioning the loan exit of Endrick to Olympique Lyon.

The 19-year-old striker had struggled to gain any sort of relevance under Xabi Alonso since returning from injury in September, and the club decided to ship him off on loan to ensure he plays regularly and develops.

Given Endrick’s exit, some other players who find themselves in a similar situation have also been linked with loan exits.

Franco Mastantuono, who has lost prominence in the team after a strong start upon his summer arrival, is attracting strong interest from Napoli.

Meanwhile, fellow young forward Gonzalo Garcia, who has also found minutes hard to come by, has emerged as a January target for Juventus.

No exits for Mastantuono and Garcia

However, as per the latest update from Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have firmly closed the doors on any potential loan exits for both Mastantuono and Garcia.

No loan exit for Gonzalo. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Indeed, Los Blancos consider the pair unavailable for loan in January, with such a possibility never being entertained at any point either.

It is true that Mastantuono’s form waned after a bright start, with his pubalgia issue only serving to complicate problems.

However, he has returned to action now and the club’s main objective is to help him return to peak form and fitness. Los Blancos maintain full confidence in the Argentine teenager and see him as someone who has a big future at the club.

As for Garcia, the supreme form of Kylian Mbappe has restricted his minutes despite his breakthrough at the FIFA Club World Cup.

But given the schedule ahead and the fact that Gonzalo is the only natural centre-forward in the squad now following Endrick’s exit holds him in good stead.

As such, Real Madrid are firm on their position that neither Mastantuono nor Gonzalo is available on loan in January despite the interest coming from Italian clubs.