Fiorentina push to sign Mastantuono as Real Madrid block River Plate return
Quick summary
Fiorentina are pushing to sign Franco Mastantuono on loan from Real Madrid, but the La Liga side has already rejected an approach from Mastantuono's former club River Plate to bring him back to Argentina.
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Attributed to original sourceFiorentina received a boost with reports Real Madrid will only loan Franco Mastantuono within Europe, and not back to River Plate, making Italy the favourite destination.
The teenager turns 19 next month and was a massive €45m investment when Real Madrid bought him from River Plate last summer.
Inevitably, he has received very little playing time and is increasingly frustrated at the situation.
Mastantuono needs to be convinced MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 14: Rahim Alhassane of Real Oviedo is challenged by Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Oviedo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Jose Mourinho has reportedly informed the Argentina international that he should go out on loan this season , but there is considerable tension behind the scenes.
Multiple sources including Cope and Argentine transfer expert Cesar Luis Merlo warn that Mastantuono would prefer to go back to River Plate, but Real Madrid are only prepared to send him out on loan in Europe.
That means Fiorentina are once again the hot favourites , hoping to present themselves as the equivalent of Como for Nico Paz, a club where he can play and develop.
They need to convince the player that this is the best step for his career.
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What happened
Young Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono, who left River Plate for Real Madrid, is attracting interest from Fiorentina in Serie A. The Italian club sees the 18-year-old as a potential addition to their midfield. However, Real Madrid have made clear they view Mastantuono as part of their long-term project, having already turned down River Plate's attempt to re-sign him on loan. Fiorentina will need to negotiate directly with Real Madrid if they hope to land the player.
Chance analysis
Mastantuono is regarded as one of Argentina's brightest young prospects, and Real Madrid's refusal to loan him back to River Plate signals they see him as part of their first-team plans rather than a prospect to be farmed out. Fiorentina's interest reflects their strategy of investing in high-upside young South American talent. If Fiorentina succeed, it would be a significant coup for Serie A, but Real Madrid's stance suggests a sale rather than a loan is the most likely outcome if the Italian club persists.
If Fiorentina land Mastantuono, their creative midfield options would be significantly boosted; Real Madrid appear committed to retaining the young Argentine.
Mastantuono remains unlikely to leave Real Madrid on loan; any Fiorentina move would likely require a purchase, not a temporary deal.