Franco Mastantuono loan move from Real Madrid nears as Yan Diomande arrival reshapes Mourinho plans

Real Madrid are preparing to send Franco Mastantuono out on loan next season, with club and player now convinced that a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu is the best way to secure regular football and ease the pressure on the 18-year-old’s development.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Mastantuono is currently more likely to leave the first-team set-up than stay, with Real Madrid actively searching for a suitable club to take him on a season-long loan. Any agreement is expected to exclude a purchase option, with the priority being a destination in one of Europe’s major leagues where he can play consistently and continue his progression.

The Argentina youth international has as many as 12 offers under consideration. Real Madrid officials are assessing each proposal in detail, placing emphasis on the sporting project, guarantees of minutes and the quality of the environment in which he would be working.

Mourinho talks and Diomande signing prove decisive

Mastantuono produced encouraging moments in pre-season, impressing in friendlies against Leganes and Alcorcon, but those performances have not been enough to secure him a regular place in Jose Mourinho’s plans. That prompted both parties to reassess his immediate future.

The final decision was postponed until a meeting held between Mastantuono and Mourinho in the middle of this month. During that conversation, there was a consensus that a year away from Madrid would be beneficial, largely because of the fierce competition for places that would limit his minutes if he stayed.

Before that meeting, Mastantuono was still hopeful of forcing his way into the team this season. However, the summer arrivals – particularly the signing of forward Yan Diomande – altered the landscape and reduced his chances of breaking through, pushing a loan move to the top of the agenda.

River Plate interest rejected in favour of Europe

River Plate, where Mastantuono came through the ranks before joining Real Madrid, have shown a strong desire to bring him back. But a return to Argentina is now considered highly unlikely after both player and club agreed his development is better served in Europe.

The Buenos Aires side previously explored the possibility of re-signing Mastantuono when a delegation travelled to Madrid accompanied by former star David Trezeguet. That trip was aimed at discussing multiple deals, including moves for Thiago Almada and Mastantuono, and River revived their interest again in recent days.

Both Real Madrid and the player, though, have turned down the option of going back to Argentina, convinced that continuing his European experience offers a clearer path to maximising his potential.

Serie A emerges as leading option

Current indications point towards Serie A as the most plausible destination. Como, coached by former Spain international Cesc Fabregas, were among the first Italian clubs to explore a loan deal and held a genuine interest in bringing Mastantuono in.

However, Como’s chances have diminished since they completed the signing of another Argentine talent, Nico Paz, making a move for Mastantuono less likely at this stage.

Other Italian clubs remain in the frame. Fiorentina and Roma have both registered interest in a loan, with Roma’s pursuit understood to be contingent on the potential departure of Matias Soule. Milan are also monitoring the situation, helped by a positive relationship with Real Madrid following previous transfers between the two clubs.

English option cools as deadline looms

In the Premier League, Fulham were the first English club to express a desire to sign Mastantuono on loan. That early interest has since cooled, with the London side redirecting their focus towards other targets, including a player named Gonzalo, who is now thought to be close to joining.

Neither Real Madrid nor Mastantuono are keen to let the situation drag on. A final decision on his destination is expected by the end of this week, with all options still technically open as the Spanish giants look to choose the project they believe will best accelerate the Argentine’s rise towards the elite level.