Man United 'offer in' for £38m dazzling wonderkid dubbed 'next Phil Foden' amid transfer frenzy
The 17-year-old has been compared to Man City and England star Phil Foden in the past and has generated Premier League interest
Man United have a good recent track record of signing young players who they believe can develop into future stars. They signed striker Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal’s youth academy last summer and he has already shown flashes of brilliance for Ruben Amorim.
Furthermore, in January, United signed Ayden Heaven from Arsenal too, and the centre-back came into Amorim’s side looking like a seasoned veteran rather than an 18-year-old phenom.
They have now been linked to an Argentine wonderkid, who has been compared to Man City star Phil Foden, he is just 17, and could join at Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United ‘offer’ for Franco Mastantuono
River Plate youngster Franco Mastantuono has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, as United look for their next young star who can come in and transform Amorim’s squad.
He doesn’t turn 18 until August, but Mastantuono has already attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, and giants across Europe. So far this season, he has made nine league appearances for River Plate, scoring three goals and two assists. He likes to play in an attacking midfield role, but can also feature as a winger.
According to fresh reports in Argentina, Man United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have already sent offers for the 17-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.
Soy del Millo reports that United have ‘offered’ to try and land the youngster, however, that is not clear whether it is a bid or just initial talks regarding personal terms amid a potential move. Mastantuono has a £38m release clause in his contract, so it would be expected that whichever top club make a move for him, will likely have to pay the clause, seeing as the reports say that River Plate are reluctant to sell the 17-year-old.
Mastantuono compared to City star Foden
The comparison that many media outlets are placing on Mastantuono is Foden not only due to his versatility playing either in midfield or on the wing, but also due to his style of play. He likes to carry the ball forward with pace, and cut inside to shoot, much like Foden. However, the Argentine is also effective in chance creation as he can also run down to the by-line and put a ball across the box for a striker to attack.
If Man United were to sign him for the future, Mastantuono would benefit from a long-term striker partner, much like what Foden has with Erling Haaland at Man City. United are looking at several options up top as things stand.
One name that’s been heavily linked is Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, but he would likely play in one of the number 10 roles - as would Mastantuono. Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are two ‘out-and-out’ strikers that United could sign this summer, both of which could develop an exciting partnership with Mastantuono should United sign the 17-year-old.