Thankfully, Fulham haven’t yet been entirely ruled out of the running for Franco Mastantuono. The reason that’s a good thing is that a loan for the Argentine has the potential to be a lot of fun.
Sure, it could go the other way, but what are loan moves for if not to take a gamble on a €60m Real Madrid wonderkid?!
The 18-year-old moved from River Plate to Los Blancos in June of last year. Many of the world’s biggest clubs wanted him, but he only wanted Real Madrid. He only turned 18 in August and had to wait until then to physically complete the move.
With a different haircut and a new tattoo every week, the prodigy looks like he’s come out of a box marked ‘Exciting South American winger who at heart is a No.10’.
As Xabi Alonso struggled to get a tune out of the Real Madrid squad, and for some of them to even listen to him, Mastantuono struggled for prominence. That was inevitable, in a team including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius, the creative talents of a near-child are not going to be prioritised.
Alvaro Arbeloa asks Fulham for player
In January, Xabi Alonso was shown the exit door, and Alvaro Arbeloa stepped into his place. The now Fulham manager gave Franco Mastantuono a bit more trust, although he still struggled to display all his talent.
Doing so at Real Madrid is unlikely to happen soon, therefore a loan is being arranged for the coming season. The Argentine would be best finding a club where the pressure isn’t as huge. Somewhere the fans will turn up every week wondering what that confident kid is going to do.
Saturday’s edition of AS reports Mastantuono has been left out of Madrid’s trip to Austria. That’s so he can finalise a loan.
AS state Arbeloa has told Fulham’s sporting director that he likes the youngster and wants him signed. AS Roma, AC Milan and Fiorentina are all keen. River Plate are too, but a return has been ruled out with Real Madrid wanting to keep him in Europe.
Thiago Pitarch is another one
Alvaro Arbeloa has already secured Gonzalo and César Palacios. Fulham may not have announced that yet, however, in Spain it’s now almost presented as old news.
The pair will arrive at a cost of €50m for 70% of their rights, Marca report. This is something Real Madrid have had a lot of success with recently. Como’s Nico Paz being a good example of that.
Franco Mastantuono is going to be difficult, but it’s not over. An easier signing would be Thiago Pitarch, and Marca have a big article on Fulham and him today.
Initial talks have taken place with the 18-year-old midfielder. Fulham believe he’s eager for the transfer, although they’re not rushing to close it right now.
One to keep an eye on.
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