Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea battle Real Madrid for potential €45m wonderkid transfer
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Arsenal and Chelsea are among the latest clubs to show a strong interest in the potential transfer of River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in South America at the moment, with a host of top European clubs scouting him, CaughtOffside understands.
It has long been felt that Real Madrid are leading the race for Mastantuono's signature, and while sources have indicated to CaughtOffside that the Spanish giants are still seen as the favourites for his signature, there is also growing interest from Premier League clubs and others.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to continue building a squad for the present and future, and it would certainly be some statement if the Gunners could persuade an elite young player like this to choose the Emirates Stadium over the Bernabeu.
Still, it won't be easy as this could turn into a fierce battle for the Argentine's signature, as Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona are also understood to be scouting the player.
Mastantuono transfer: Real Madrid have already held talks
Real Madrid have some advantage in the race for Mastantuono as their interest has been there for a while, while some initial talks have also already taken place.
CaughtOffside also understands that Mastantuono himself is showing a strong willingness to make the move to Madrid, where Carlo Ancelotti has done a great job integrating young players such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Endrick, Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham in recent times.
Arsenal and Chelsea probably can't be entirely ruled out, however, particularly as the Blues have also done a good job of luring some of the world's best young players to Stamford Bridge in recent times, with there being a clear path to playing regularly for the west London club and gaining valuable first-team experience at the highest level.
The likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid would probably be more tempting, however, in the sense that they're further along in their current projects, and perhaps more likely to be able to guarantee the chance to win major trophies.
CaughtOffside understands River Plate want around €45m for Mastantuono, which should be perfectly affordable for the top clubs in the Premier League, who are not yet giving up on rivalling Real for this exciting potential deal.
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