Real Madrid Turn Down External Interest in Mastantuono

Real Madrid have rejected approaches from several European clubs for highly rated youngster Franco Mastantuono, choosing instead to retain the Argentine attacker for the remainder of the season, according to reports in Spain.

Interest in Mastantuono has been growing across the continent, with Napoli among the clubs to have explored a potential loan move that would have run until the end of the campaign. However, MARCA reports that Real Madrid were unwilling to sanction a temporary departure, believing the teenager still has a role to play in the months ahead.

The 18-year-old has found opportunities harder to come by since returning from pubalgia, an injury that sidelined him for more than a month. Prior to that setback, Mastantuono had established himself in the starting line-up, but his absence coincided with tactical adjustments made by head coach Xabi Alonso.

Following Jude Bellingham’s return from shoulder surgery, Alonso altered his system, leaving Mastantuono currently behind both Rodrygo and Federico Valverde in the pecking order. As a result, the Argentine has struggled to regain the prominence he enjoyed earlier in the season.

Despite his reduced involvement, Real Madrid remain confident in Mastantuono’s long-term potential and believe he can still make a meaningful contribution during the second half of the campaign. The club’s decision to rebuff loan interest reflects that faith, with the coaching staff keen to continue his development within the first-team environment.

How Mastantuono is reintegrated into Alonso’s plans will be closely watched as the season progresses, particularly given Real Madrid’s congested fixture list and ongoing rotation across competitions.