Overview
- Real Madrid and the 18-year-old have concluded that a season-long loan is the best short-term pathway for his development and both parties are preparing to finalise a deal.
- The club will only approve a temporary move to a European team, and Real Madrid and the player have turned down efforts by River Plate to bring him back to Argentina.
- Several Serie A clubs are leading the chase, with Fiorentina, AS Roma and AC Milan all reported to be in active talks and Roma sending director Tony D’Amico to Madrid to discuss loans.
- Mastantuono was omitted from the squad for the pre-season friendly in Austria on Friday, which sources say signals that a loan agreement is now at an advanced stage.
- Real Madrid is prioritising offers that guarantee regular minutes and deployment as a central No.10, prefers loans without a buy option, and moved to protect his development after a debut season of limited minutes and increased competition for places.