Man Utd, PSG Told Man City Transfer Target Is Destined to Become ‘Another Messi’ | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain are keeping a close eye on River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono ahead of the summer transfer window—but they’re far from alone. The highly rated teenager is drawing the attention of several major European clubs.

TyC Sports journalist Germán García Grova reported that PSG have already opened talks and consider Mastantuono one of their top priorities. The French club now joins a growing list of suitors for the young Argentine talent.

Transfer insider César Luis Merlo previously noted that Manchester United have shown the most serious interest so far, having scouted Mastantuono in person. The Premier League side is well aware of his €45 million release clause, which could be a key factor in any potential deal.

Franco Mastantuono has Ballon d’Or type of potential

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Former River Plate star Matias Almeyda believes the young sensation has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona—and potentially win Ballon d’Or honors along the way.

“Another Maradona or another Messi will unlikely emerge, but another player will come,” Almeyda told Argentine radio station DSports (via MEN). “After Maradona, people said that there would never be another like him, and then Messi appeared, and I think that after Messi, another one will appear, and his name is Franco Mastantuono.

“There are many kids who won’t be equal to those two, but they will be at another level. We’re a breeding ground for very good players.”

PSG have recently joined the race for Franco Mastantuono, joining the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, and other top European clubs, according to Diario Olé.

The report adds that six Premier League sides—including new champions Liverpool, along with Arsenal and Chelsea—are also showing interest. Mastantuono is under contract with River Plate until December 2027, with a €45 million release clause, and he’s said to have no clear preference on where he goes next.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are leading the race for Mastantuono, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, though PSG remain serious contenders.