PSG Look to Hijack €45M-Rated Star From Manchester United, Real Madrid as Meetings Held | OneFootball

PSG appear to be gaining ground on Real Madrid and Manchester United in the race to sign one of South America’s brightest young talents ahead of the summer transfer window.

The French club has been closely monitoring River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono, with TyC Sports journalist Germán García Grova reporting that PSG have already opened talks and consider the 16-year-old a top target.

According to transfer insider César Luis Merlo, Manchester United have shown the most concrete interest so far, going as far as sending scouts to watch Mastantuono in person. The Premier League side is also well aware of his €45 million release clause, a factor that could heavily influence how the pursuit plays out.

PSG look to take lead for Manchester United, Real Madrid target

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Grova reported on Thursday that PSG are making a strong push for Mastantuono. The French club has held meetings with the representatives advising the River Plate star. At the moment, they are weighing whether to trigger his release clause or negotiate a deal to sign him in this window and bring him in December.

Journalist Graeme Bailey recently shared that Man Utd is in talks with the young talent, but the player prefers a move to Madrid. Still, any transfer won’t take place before 2026.

“United have spoken to his people this week,” Bailey told United in Focus. “However, the thing with Mastantuono is that although he turns 18 in August, I have had it confirmed to me that he won’t be moving until 2026.

“United are in the running, but the plan wasn’t for him to move this summer anyway. Real Madrid are in the driving seat, but United are not out of the equation.

“I don’t think anyone will pay his €45m (£38m) release clause, though. But he really does want to join Madrid, however, we will have to see because there isn’t really room for him at Madrid.

“But over the last 10 days, United have definitely held talks with him. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also interested.”