Fiorentina’s race to lock Real Madrid Argentine before Austria clash

Fiorentina, aware they will miss European competition this season, are hunting for a creative attacking spark, and have identified Real Madrid’s 18‑year‑old Argentine forward Franco Mastantuono as the ideal solution to provide consistent first‑team minutes during the final third.

Fiorentina have intensified their pursuit of the Argentine forward, with talks scheduled for today. The Serie A side aims to seal a loan before Saturday’s pre‑season friendly against Real Madrid in Klagenfurt, Austria.

Real Madrid are keen to resolve the Argentine’s future quickly. To avoid any injury that could jeopardise the loan talks, they have left him out of the squad travelling to Austria.

The goal is to find a setting where the 18‑year‑old can play regularly and develop. A return to River Plate has been ruled out as Real Madrid prefer him to gain European experience.

Fiorentina have dispatched sporting director Fabio Paratici and CEO Alessandro Ferrari to Klagenfurt to continue discussions. According to AS, the Italian club is stepping up efforts to sign Mastantuono on loan.

Real Madrid point to Nico Paz’s rapid progress at Como as evidence that Serie A can accelerate the growth of emerging talents even at clubs without continental football. They will evaluate all options, consider Mastantuono’s preferences, and aim for a loan that best fits his long‑term development.

For Fiorentina, securing Mastantuono would add a creative attacking option to a squad lacking European exposure. A photo by Florencia Tan Jun accompanied the report.