"Real Madrid have planned a new round of talks with River Plate to discuss the potential structure of the Franco Mastantuono deal," Fabrizio Romano says on X.
"Real will try to negotiate on €45m fee structure/payment terms rather than triggering the clause," Romano adds.
Mastantuono has been heralded as the next 'Fede Valverde' for his energetic and combative style of play. He's also an attacking midfielder with a keen eye for goal and seems to have the world at his feet.
However, Real Madrid are not prepared to pay as much as €45m for a 16-year-old kid. Los Blancos will negotiate a lesser sign-on fee with more to come depending on how the player performs in Spain. Madrid used the same tactic in signing Endrick Felipe from Palmeiras.
Like Endrick, Madrid will loan the teenager back to River Plate if they sign him until he turns 18 in 2025.
