Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea In Race For £38.6 Million-Rated Argentine Wonderkid

Chelsea have shown a real eagerness to sign quality young players over the last few years, especially when it comes to talents from South America. They are now being linked to another rising prospect in the form of River Plate youngster Franco Mastantuono.

Chelsea Face Competition For Franco Mastantuono Signing

Who is Franco Mastantuono?

The 16-year-old attacking midfielder has taken things by storm at River Plate, becoming their third-youngest player ever after making his senior debut for them in January, 2024. He also became the Argentine heavyweights’ youngest-ever goal-scorer after scoring in a Copa Argentina match for River Plate against Excursionistas earlier this year.

Mastantuono’s natural position is as an attacking midfielder, but he can also operate as a right winger if necessary. The teenager has already been compared to Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, who had actually found his initial breakthrough at River Plate before making the big jump to European football. The 16-year-old has earned a reputation for being able to create chances efficiently as well as his ball-striking ability, which he showcased in the goal he scored in the Copa Argentina clash.

How Much Could It Cost Chelsea To Sign Franco Mastantuono?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are among the notable clubs to have sent their scouts to follow the performances of the 16-year-old attacker after he started earning a reputation at River Plate. He also adds that Real Madrid have repeatedly sent their representatives to watch the teenager in action and also plans to continue scouting him going forward.

Moreover, Romano also cites Paris Saint-Germain as another team to have scouted Mastantuono after his breakthrough in Argentina. With that being said, with the 16-year-old only having recently signed a new contract at River Plate, any side aiming to sign him must activate his £38.6 million release clause. The teenager has made 10 appearances for River Plate’s senior team this season, scoring one goal and also has nine appearances for Argentina’s under-17 side under his belt, scoring one goal for them too.