Real Madrid are working to find a loan move for Franco Mastantuono after deciding the Argentina teenager would benefit from regular first-team football elsewhere this season.
The club reached the conclusion following talks with the player’s representatives earlier this week, according to sources in Spain. Both sides agreed that a loan move offers the best route for the 18-year-old to develop after he struggled for playing time in his first season at Madrid.
The midfielder is expected to remain in Europe despite interest from his former club River Plate. Madrid have ruled out a return to South America and are also not considering a loan to the Premier League.
Italy has emerged as the leading option for the Argentine. Mastantuono holds an Italian passport, which makes a move to Serie A straightforward, and Fiorentina have already made formal contact with Madrid over a possible loan. Napoli and AC Milan are also following the situation after expressing previous interest in the player.
🎩 Mucha clase.
🇦🇷 Mastantuono pic.twitter.com/dj3HKJbvLA— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 18, 2025
Would a Loan Move Away from Madrid Suit Mastantuono?
Given the lack of minutes, yes. However, the new club would have to not only provide Mastantuono with more minutes than he got at Madrid but also use him in his preferred role as a central attacking midfielder.
Mastantuono’s progress last season was slowed because he was not good enough to play on the right wing and his more natural position of central attacking midfielder was better occupied by either Jude Bellingham or Arda Guler.
According to sources, Madrid are also expected to approve a loan only if they are satisfied the receiving side intends to play the youngster in the position they believe best suits his qualities.
