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Arsenal failed to hijack Real Madrid’s move for teenager

Originally posted on Just Arsenal | By Admin Martin | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 6:00 PM ET

Franco Mastantuono is the latest teenage talent to emerge from Argentina, and he has quickly attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in European football. The 17-year-old only began playing for River Plate last season, but he has already established himself as one of the most impressive performers in their squad.

Arsenal Among Admirers of Rising Argentine Star

Mastantuono’s displays have drawn the attention of elite European sides eager to secure the signature of the next South American star. Arsenal were among those monitoring his progress closely, having received encouraging reports from scouts tasked with observing his development.

The Emirates has developed a reputation as a welcoming environment for promising talent from across the globe, and according to TBR Football, Arsenal had a genuine interest in adding Mastantuono to their group. The club saw him as a suitable long-term addition and believed his style of play aligned well with their project under Mikel Arteta.

Real Madrid Win the Race for Mastantuono

Despite Arsenal’s interest and the player’s openness to a move to North London, the prospect of joining Real Madrid proved decisive. The report indicates that the Spanish side entered the race with strong intent, eventually beating off competition from Paris Saint-Germain to secure his services.

Once Real Madrid made their interest known, the situation shifted dramatically. Arsenal, like many other clubs, struggled to compete with the allure and stature of the Spanish giants. The midfielder has now chosen to continue his career in Spain, a decision that comes as little surprise given Madrid’s track record of developing young talent from South America.

Although Arsenal missed out on this particular target, their scouting network continues to monitor top prospects around the world. While competing with Real Madrid for emerging stars is always challenging, the Gunners remain a strong destination for ambitious young players seeking a path to top-level European football.

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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