Manchester City are eager to get ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for Franco Mastantuono and are willing to pay his release clause.

According to Spanish outlet Planet Real Madrid, Manchester City are eager to take the lead in the Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono race and fight off rivals like Real Madrid and Barcelona. Pep Guardiola’s side are highly interested in the River Plate star and willing to pay his entire €45 million release clause.

Manchester City is ready to pay Franco Mastantuono’s release clause

When it comes to South America’s young talents, European clubs are not overly keen to pay their release clauses in full. Real Madrid and Barcelona have operated in those markets for a long time, so their respective clubs have may have enough power over financial promises. However, Manchester City are looking to change that for Franco Mastantuono.

Manchester City have been interested in Mastantuono for some time now, and they are ready to pay his full €45 million release clause to get ahead in the race. Barcelona were interested, but since the news of his release clause emerged, they might bow out of the race for financial reasons.

Real Madrid had reportedly made a formal approach for the teenager, with River Plate set to demand the entire 45 million release clause. The Spanish giants will rely on the player’s desire to join such a big and prestigious club over the promise of Money, while Manchester City are willing to pay that clause in full.

Manchester City also have good relations with River Plate, following deals for Julian Alvarez and very recently for Claudio Echeverri. For the latter, they relied on the formula of paying up the entire release clause and hope they succeed with a similar idea for Mastantuono in the summer window.

Mastantuono release clause explained

Until a few days ago, there were murky rumours about Mastantuono’s release clause, although there were confirmed reports that one existed. Fabrizio Romano revealed that River Plate would demand €45 million for their teenage star, which could rise to €50 million should clubs make their move in the last ten days of the transfer window.

Hence, Manchester City are eager to get ahead in the race and leave Real Madrid behind. However, one should not underestimate the latter’s power when it comes to attracting South American players, especially teenagers who have dreamt all their lives about playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona.