Chelsea and Real Madrid to battle it out for South American talent worth €45 million

Chelsea and Real Madrid to go up against each other for Franco Mastantuono

Chelsea will battle Real Madrid for the signature of River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono in the upcoming 2024 summer transfer window. The Blues could embark on another spending spree during the summer window and appear to have identified some youngsters whom they could sign.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are keen on signing the 16-year-old star but faces competition with Madrid for his acquisition. The teenager has a release clause of €45 million (£38.6 million), which could further increase to €50 million (£43 million) in the final 10 days of the transfer window this summer.

The Blues weigh their options before deciding whether or not to sign him because it’s unclear if they’ll be prepared to pay that much to acquire the teenager. Mastantuono is needs work and bringing him in at a big price will do little to temper expectations.

Mastantuono’s emergence on the scene with River Plate has certainly caught the attention of top clubs in Europe. While Chelsea’s pursuit of young talent aligns with their recent transfer strategy, it appears that the midfielder has his sights set on joining Real Madrid.

Given his preference and the significant financial investment required, it may not be pragmatic for Chelsea to continue their pursuit, especially considering Mastantuono’s young age and limited experience at the senior level. The reported release clause of £43 million for a 16-year-old prospect raises questions about the value proposition for the Blues.

While the potential for future growth is undoubtedly enticing, the Blues must weigh this against the immediate impact and value they could derive from such a significant investment. In light of the youngster’s preference for Real Madrid and the substantial financial outlay involved, Chelsea may opt to explore other avenues to strengthen their squad in line with their strategic objectives.

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With the club aiming to return to trophy-winning ways, securing a forward who can bolster their attacking prowess and deliver goals consistently could be a more strategic use of resources. While nurturing young talent is essential for long-term success, prioritizing a seasoned striker with a track record of success could address the pressing need for offensive firepower and provide the team with a tangible boost in their quest for silverware.