In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Arsenal are keeping a keen eye on River Plate playmaker Franco Mastantuono. It has been stated that the Gunners would have to rival Real Madrid in the race to land the Argentine teenager next year.
Mastantuono’s Impressive Rise In Argentine Football
Mastantuono has come through the youth ranks of River Plate and has already caught the eye with his performances for their senior team. The Argentine talent has participated in 29 matches for his current employers thus far, scoring three goals and grabbing a couple of assists on all fronts.
The 17-year-old has proven his worth as an important member of River Plate’s squad over the past 12 months. At the moment, he is amongst the best young midfielders in Argentine football, so Arsenal would do well to get him on board next year.
Mastantuono is under contract at the Argentine club until the end of 2026 which could make it tough for the Gunners to sign him on the cheap next year.
Arsenal Are Keeping A Keen Eye On Mastantuono: Is He A Prospect For The Future?
Mastantuono is proficient at creating a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.
The Argentine whizkid is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also play as a right-winger if asked to do so by his manager. However, he is still quite inexperienced at the highest level and would need time to cope with the physical side and high intensity of Premier League football.
Mastantuono is already good enough to serve as a good, rotational piece in Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s squad. At 17, he has the potential to be a future star in European football as long as he continues to improve with each year.
All in all, Mastantuono is undeniably a prospect to watch out for in the future, so Arteta would do well to snap him up this January or at the end of this campaign.