Fiorentina Emerge as Frontrunners for Mastantuono After Real Madrid Block River Plate Return

FolioPitch.com – 30 July 2026 | Fiorentina have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Franco Mastantuono after Real Madrid reportedly refused to allow the Argentine teenager to return to River Plate on loan. This development, which constitutes a clear Fiorentina boost for Mastantuono as Real Madrid refuse River Plate return, opens the door for a move to Serie A.

Mastantuono, who turns 19 next month, was a massive €45 million investment when Real Madrid signed him from River Plate last summer. Despite his hefty price tag, the attacking midfielder has struggled for minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu, making only sporadic appearances in La Liga and cup competitions. His frustration has grown as the season progresses, and he has reportedly expressed a desire to go back to his boyhood club to reignite his career.

However, Real Madrid are adamant that any loan move must be within Europe, ruling out a return to Argentina. According to sources including Cope and Argentine transfer expert César Luis Merlo, Los Blancos believe Mastantuono needs to adapt to European football and a loan back to River Plate would not serve that purpose. This stance has given Fiorentina a clear advantage, as the Fiorentina boost for Mastantuono as Real Madrid refuse River Plate return moves the focus to Italy.

Fiorentina are now the hot favourites to land the Argentine starlet. The Viola see Mastantuono as a similar project to Nico Paz, who thrived on loan at Como last season before returning to Real Madrid. They intend to offer Mastantuono regular playing time in a competitive league, with the promise of development and a path to stardom. Coach Raffaele Palladino is reportedly keen to add a creative midfielder to his squad, and Mastantuono fits the profile perfectly.

Jose Mourinho, who coached Mastantuono briefly at Real Madrid, has advised the player to seek a loan move to gain experience. However, the player’s preference remains a return to River Plate, where he would be closer to family and familiar surroundings. But with Real Madrid holding firm, Fiorentina hope they can convince Mastantuono that a spell in Florence is the best step for his career.

The Fiorentina boost for Mastantuono as Real Madrid refuse River Plate return could be decisive in the coming weeks. Transfer expert César Luis Merlo reports that talks between Fiorentina and Real Madrid have already begun, with the Italian club proposing a loan with no option to buy. Real Madrid are open to such a deal, provided Mastantuono agrees to the move.

Fiorentina are not the only interested party, but they have the strongest pull. Other European clubs, including several from La Liga and Bundesliga, have been linked, but none have shown the same level of commitment. The Viola are prepared to guarantee Mastantuono a starting role, something few other clubs can offer given his lack of experience.

With the summer transfer window approaching, this saga is set to intensify. Mastantuono’s representatives are expected to meet with Real Madrid officials in the coming days to discuss the player’s future. The outcome will likely hinge on whether the Argentine can be persuaded that a move to Italy is preferable to staying in Spain or returning home.

In conclusion, the Fiorentina boost for Mastantuono as Real Madrid refuse River Plate return has shifted the landscape of this transfer. If Fiorentina can win over the player, they will secure one of the most promising young talents in South American football. For Mastantuono, a loan to Serie A could be the launchpad he needs to fulfill his immense potential.