Fiorentina have emerged as the frontrunners to secure Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, according to reports in Argentina, Spain and Italy.
The 18-year-old, who turns 19 next month, joined the Spanish giants from River Plate last summer for a reported fee of €45 million plus add-ons. Despite the significant investment, he has found regular starting opportunities limited at the Santiago Bernabéu, prompting the club to arrange a temporary move to aid his development in European football.
Dry Loan Terms
According to TyC Sports and Diario AS, Fiorentina are positioned to secure a “dry loan” arrangement, meaning the deal would not include an option or obligation to make the transfer permanent. This structure indicates that Real Madrid regard the move purely as a developmental step rather than a precursor to a permanent departure.
Mastantuono’s Italian heritage represents a significant logistical advantage for the Serie A club. Because he holds an Italian passport, he would not occupy a non-EU player slot in Fiorentina’s squad, removing a potential bureaucratic hurdle that often complicates recruitment for Italian teams.
Alternative Destinations
Despite Fiorentina’s reported status as favourites, the Argentine youth international has attracted interest from multiple leagues. Premier League side Fulham, Spanish trio Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Sevilla, Portuguese champions Sporting CP, and Italian rivals Juventus have all been mentioned as potential suitors. A return to former club River Plate remains an outside possibility.
Madrid Record and Timing
Since arriving in the Spanish capital, Mastantuono has made 35 senior appearances across all competitions, though only 17 of those were as a starter. He has scored three goals during his time in Spain and received a red card in a match against Getafe.
The two clubs are scheduled to meet in a friendly fixture in Austria on August 1, providing a natural opportunity for sporting directors to finalise discussions. The timing of the match could prove decisive in accelerating the negotiations.
The potential transfer has drawn comparisons to the development path of fellow Argentine Nico Paz, who has impressed at Como following his exit from Real Madrid, though that particular deal involved a form of co-ownership rather than a straightforward loan.