Manchester United are reportedly the front-runners to sign 17-year-old Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Franco Mastantuono is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils have become the favourites to land the River Plate wonderkid, with Real Madrid walking away from the race to sign the 2007-born Argentine wonderkid.

The ever-rising stock of Franco Mastantuono

Franco Mastantuono has become one of the most highly sought-after prodigies in South America since breaking into the first-team squad at River Plate. The teenage sensation has already piqued the attention of European bigwigs with his exploits in age-group football in Argentina. However, his stock has skyrocketed in the last 12 months.

The 2007-born attacking sensation enjoyed his breakthrough at River Plate in the 2024 season and continues to go from strength to strength this term. The Argentine playmaker has already turned out over 50 times thus far for River Plate while chipping in with seven goals and five assists.

Meanwhile, Mastantuono’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Manchester United and Real Madrid have been among the prospective suitors vying for the 17-year-old prospect’s signature heading into the summer transfer window. However, the Merengues have cooled their interest in the youngster.

What next?

Manchester United’s interest in Franco Mastantuono is understandable. The Red Devils are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a dynamic playmaker in the summer transfer window. The River Plate whizkid has thus emerged as a viable target, with his ability making him the ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s system at Manchester United.

Meanwhile, the 2007-born wonderkid could have been a viable target for Real Madrid amid Los Blancos’ struggles in the post-Toni Kroos era. However, the reigning La Liga champions have “left the race for Mastantuono, at least for the moment” despite being best-placed to secure his services.

The update has boosted Manchester United’s prospects, with the Red Devils in the pole position to sign the 17-year-old Argentine sensation. The Red Devils are ready to submit an offer to sign the youngster “in the coming days”, and it will not be surprising to see them securing his services in the summer transfer window.