Report: Chelsea lead race for River Plate star despite Liverpool and Madrid interest | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono: The Next South American Starlet in Chelsea’s Sights

Chelsea’s Youth-Led Gamble Continues

Chelsea’s strategy under Todd Boehly has been nothing short of a footballing experiment—an aggressive push toward stockpiling young talent before the rest of Europe gets a look-in. That model may yet find its next gem in Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old River Plate sensation who’s quickly attracting global attention.

As reported by CaughtOffside, Chelsea are “determined to win the race” for Mastantuono’s signature, continuing their high-stakes, high-reward investment in the world’s most promising teenagers. With an eye-watering €45 million release clause in place, the London club knows that pulling off this transfer won’t come cheap. Yet recent acquisitions—like Kendry Páez and the soon-to-arrive Estevao Willian—show they’re not afraid to spend big on potential.

Why Mastantuono Is Making Headlines

Mastantuono is not just another South American talent emerging from River Plate’s storied production line. The attacking midfielder, already the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history, carries both the skillset and the temperament to make a European leap inevitable.

Described as a “left-footed attacking midfielder” with positional flexibility, the teenager has drawn comparisons to Neymar and Phil Foden—players he himself names as inspirations. There’s grace in his movement and guile in his vision, a rare blend that has made top European clubs circle like vultures.

“Mastantuono’s asking price this summer will be the €45m fee set in his release clause,” CaughtOffside revealed, quoting sources close to River Plate. The Buenos Aires club is firm: that clause must be met for negotiations to even begin.

Liverpool, Madrid, United – All Eyes on the Prize

Chelsea may be leading the charge, but they’re far from alone. Real Madrid and Liverpool have also been “strongly considering” a move for the Argentine wonderkid, while Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the situation.

It’s a list that reads like the who’s who of elite football. Yet it also reflects something deeper—the sheer scarcity of creative midfielders capable of defining the next decade.

And while some clubs baulk at the €45m price tag, it’s worth remembering that Madrid paid similar for Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Those risks have paid dividends. Chelsea may well be trying to emulate that model.

Finding the Right Fit

Would Stamford Bridge be the right place for Mastantuono? That’s harder to answer. The club’s current midfield core, led by Cole Palmer and soon-to-be bolstered by Estevao Willian, already brims with promise. Mastantuono could thrive—or get lost in the shuffle.

“There might be more of a role for him at clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid,” the report notes, where the pathway to the first team might be more defined.

Yet Chelsea’s youth-first strategy may be the very thing that convinces him. The promise of minutes, elite coaching, and a system built to develop, rather than merely buy, might outweigh the immediate silverware appeal of the Bernabéu or Anfield.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea fan’s point of view, the pursuit of Franco Mastantuono feels like another calculated step in the club’s long-term evolution. Todd Boehly and the recruitment team are building something with intent—targeting the elite talent of tomorrow before anyone else can lay a glove on them.

There will always be concerns about stacking too many young players in similar positions. With Cole Palmer thriving and Estevao Willian set to arrive, some might ask whether there’s enough room for Mastantuono to grow. But in truth, these are good problems to have. Competition breeds excellence, and under Enzo Maresca (or whoever is at the helm by the time Mastantuono pulls on a blue shirt), Chelsea’s vision is clearly to build a team capable of dominating for years—not just seasons.

Yes, €45m is a sizeable fee for a 17-year-old, but in today’s market, it could turn out to be a bargain. If Mastantuono is serious about playing regularly and developing into a world-class talent, Stamford Bridge—with its clear pathway for young players—might just be the ideal destination.