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Manchester United are “in love” with Argentinian wonderkid Franco Mastantuono and could move for him as early as January, according to reports in his home country.
17-year-old Mastantuono plays as an attacking midfielder for River Plate, and according to ESPN Argentina a “global giant” has “decided to accelerate” for his signature – the giant in question is United.
The report states that United “have been following him for numerous years” and are “in love with the performances of the River player”.
Mastantuono has been dubbed “the next Phil Foden” due to his ability on the ball and his shooting form.
The Argentinian is seen as one of the most exciting young players in South America and has been strongly linked with Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the player, but ESPN Argentina are adamant that United are “prepared” and “analyzing” to make a move for him in January.
The 17-year-old has scored four and assisted two in 34 games in all competitions this season, playing mostly as an attacking midfielder with occasional games on the right wing.
He has only completed a full 90 minutes once so far, when he scored the winner for his club against Sarmiento Junin, but has been substituted on or off in almost all of River Plate’s matches as he finds his feet in the Liga Profesional Argentina.
United’s pursuit of the hot prospect fits with their recent approach of picking up talented teenagers, so could be one to watch.
17-year-old winger Samuel Lusale was brought in from Crystal Palace over the summer and 16-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin recently arrived from Arsenal to bolster the youth team’s ranks.
The 18-year-old Malian midfielder Sekou Kone joined for £1.2m from Malian side Guidars FC, and has just trained with the first team for the first time as Erik ten Hag keeps the link between academy and first team open.
Mastantuono has featured in a couple of international friendlies for Argentina U20s, and picked up a goal in a 2-0 win against Uzbekistan U20s earlier this month.
Featured image Marcelo Endelli via Getty Images
