RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesLa Liga club make formal enquiry to sign Real Madrid starlet on loan – report
Real Madrid and Franco Mastantuono have seemed quite inclined towards finding a loan move for the player for some time now.
The Argentine teenager seemed keen on returning to River Plate, an option Los Blancos did not view too favourably, with their preference being for him to stay in Europe.
Mastantuono was subsequently left out of Jose Mourinho’s squad for the pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, indicating that a move was in the works.
Valencia enter the picture
Now, according to Hector Gomez , La Liga club Valencia have joined the race to sign Franco Mastantuono on loan, with the Mestalla club making a formal enquiry.
Valencia view the operation as difficult but still consider themselves one of the possible destinations for the Argentine if Madrid decide to send him out temporarily.
Valencia show interest in Mastantuono. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Despite being left out of the travelling squad, the South American starlet’s future remains unresolved, with a number of possible destinations.
Valencia could offer regular La Liga minutes and a familiar domestic environment, allowing the teenager to continue adapting to Spanish football without leaving the country.
This is something that could appeal to Real Madrid. However, the operation is still expected to be difficult.
Real Madrid are expected to demand a clear development plan, meaningful playing time and a loan structure without a purchase option.
Valencia would also have to convince both the club and the player that Mestalla is the right place for the next stage of his career.
Mastantuono is also attracting interest from Italy. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)
They would also need to find an important role for Mastantuono within their project for the upcoming season, knowing full well that they will not have a purchase option.
Real Madrid must choose the right club
There are many things going in Valencia’s favour and many things going against them too. In sporting terms, they have not had a great time recently either.
Moreover, Fiorentina in Italy are also pushing hard to sign the player on loan for the upcoming campaign.
Ultimately, the decision over where Mastantuono spends the upcoming season lies with Real Madrid and the player himself.
Since this is a loan move strictly designed to aid his development, Los Blancos need to prioritise high-quality game time more than anything else.
It remains to be seen which club eventually signs the Argentine teenager and whether Valencia manage to convince Real Madrid to choose them as his next temporary destination.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.