By OkayGoal 
Manchester United are ramping up efforts to sign Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, aiming to outpace Chelsea, Liverpool, and even Real Madrid in what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive transfer chases of the summer.
According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, United have already opened talks with River Plate for the 17-year-old sensation. Mastantuono has exploded onto the scene in Argentina, registering six goals and four assists in just 17 senior appearances—a phenomenal return for a teenager still in the early stages of his career.
While Real Madrid currently lead the race and have the financial muscle to meet his £41 million release clause, Manchester United have a strong case to make. Under the potential leadership of Ruben Amorim, United are eyeing dynamic, technically gifted players who can thrive in an attacking system—and Mastantuono fits that blueprint perfectly.
Chelsea and Liverpool remain interested, with the former continuing their South American youth recruitment drive, and the latter viewing Mastantuono as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. But it’s United who seem most proactive at this stage.
With game-changing talent, European elite circling, and a release clause within reach, Mastantuono represents a high-upside investment for United. If the Red Devils are serious about rebuilding for the future, triggering that clause now could be a masterstroke—before Real Madrid close the door.