Arsenal working to beat Real Madrid in race to sign attacking midfielder with €45 million release clause: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly working hard to beat Real Madrid in a race to secure the signature of attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono. The River Plate playmaker is said to have a €45 million release clause in his contract, which both European giants are fairly capable of paying.

The 17-year-old Argentine midfielder has risen through the ranks at River Plate, after spending spells at youth clubs like River de Azul and Club Cemento. His performances have led to his emergence as an exciting prospect, especially for Argentina's U-20 squad.

At River Plate, Mastantuono has already made 29 appearances so far, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His contract, which expires in 2026, includes a €45 million release clause, and a number of clubs are now working hard to bring his services to European football.

As per Caught Offside, Real Madrid are believed to be strong admirers of his talent, which says much, as Los Blancos are known to have an eye for South American talent. The Spanish giants have signed players like Endrick, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo from the continent and they are said to see Mastantuono as another brilliant option.

However, the hierarchy in Valdebebas will be concerned about emerging reports regarding the 17-year-old. They aren't the only ones interested in his services, with Arsenal actively working to snatch Mastantuono out of their grasp, according to TBR Football.

The Gunners certainly see the appeal in having a highly talented youngster come into their first team and learn from playmakers like captain Martin Odegaard.

However, Los Blancos are not going to let go of chasing after the 17-year-old so easily, so the Gunners will need to convince Mastantuono about their sporting project.

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Pundit gives his thoughts about Arsenal defender potentially moving to Real Madrid

While both European giants battle for talent across the ocean in South America, Arsenal will need to be cautious about Real Madrid's interest in William Saliba. The Gunners defender has been a rock for at the backline throughout his time at the club.

Pundit Tony Cascarino felt that Saliba could move to Madrid although the French defender ended up renewing his contract at the Emirates Stadium. Cascarino wrote in his column in The Times (via TBR Football):

“He is the No. 1 one centre half in the country now, for me. People at Marseille spoke about him to me in glowing terms before he came back to Arsenal. I thought he was going to Real Madrid before he signed his new contract last summer. He is so composed and his timing is brilliant.”

Although Saliba remains a Gunner for the foreseeable future, Madrid are said to have their eyes on him. Time will tell if he eventually makes the move to the Santiago Bernabeu.