Exclusive: Chelsea determined to sign record-breaking wonderkid ahead of Liverpool & Real Madrid | OneFootball

Chelsea are continuing to show a strong interest in the potential signing of River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, but a host of other clubs are also keen.

The highly-rated 17-year-old is fast establishing himself as one of the biggest prospects in world football, and it seems only a matter of time before he’s snapped up by a top club in Europe.

CaughtOffside understands that Chelsea are determined to win the race for Mastantuono’s signature as they continue to invest in elite youth from around the world.

However, the Blues will likely face competition from the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, who are also strongly considering making a move for the Argentine wonderkid.

Franco Mastantuono transfer situation explained

Franco Mastantuono of River Plate (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Sources have informed CaughtOffside that Mastantuono’s asking price this summer will be the €45m fee set in his release clause.

It is understood that River are adamant they won’t sell their rising star unless that clause is triggered.

Other interested clubs, such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, seemingly view this high release clause as an obstacle at the moment.

Chelsea and Real Madrid have made similar investments in recent times, however, and are aware of the potential pay-off.

What kind of player is Franco Mastantuono?

Mastantuono is a left-footed attacking midfielder who can play a variety of roles, and he’s previously described players like Neymar and Phil Foden as inspirations for how he models his game.

Already the youngest scorer in River Plate’s history, it seems inevitable that Mastantuono will go on to break other records before too long.

It would certainly be exciting to see him at Chelsea, though it remains to be seen if he might be too similar to someone like Cole Palmer, or incoming signing Estevao Willian.

There might be more of a role for him at clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid, but one imagines the youth project at Stamford Bridge could appeal to him as he looks to ensure he gets the chance to play regularly at his next club.