Chelsea's Bid for River Plate Ace Franco Mastantuono Stalls as PSG Open Talks

PSG Threatens Chelsea's Chase for Mastantuono

Chelsea were eyeing 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono to boost their youthful squad, but fresh developments suggest their ambitions may be slipping away. Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly jumped to the front of the queue, putting Chelsea’s plans in serious jeopardy. Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano dropped the bombshell: the Parisian giants are already in 'concrete talks' with River Plate over the Argentine midfielder.

Mastantuono isn’t just another youth prospect. As River Plate’s youngest-ever goalscorer, his reputation is skyrocketing. You’ve probably heard Chelsea are on a mission to snap up the world’s best teen talent. They already landed Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez—both expected to arrive in London this summer. The club hoped Mastantuono would be next. With Manchester United and several Spanish juggernauts watching too, it was always bound to be a race. But PSG’s aggressive move may tip the scales.

For Chelsea, the timing could not be worse. Mastantuono is about to play in the Club World Cup in the United States, a stage that’s notorious for boosting a youngster’s price tag and exposure. His current contract at River Plate runs until 2026 and comes with a release clause of £38 million—a figure that could rise to £42.5 million if certain benchmarks are hit. Once he turns 18, the door opens for a European move. But for English clubs, that’s not the whole story. Post-Brexit rule changes mean signing South American talent often involves long waits for work permits and complex visa paperwork. That’s a headache PSG and other continental clubs don’t have to deal with as much, giving them a clear advantage.

River Plate haven’t been shy about their stance, either. Board member Stefano Di Carlo previously stressed that the club wants to hold onto their prodigy. But with European teams circling and Mastantuono’s reputation growing by the month, an exit feels inevitable. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, himself a product of Argentine football, only added more fuel to the hype, calling his compatriot an 'incredible player' destined for big things in Europe.

The European Tug of War for South America's Next Big Thing

PSG’s involvement suddenly means this isn’t just a Premier League versus La Liga tug-of-war. The French giants have deep pockets and a proven track record of convincing top young talent to make Paris their first European home. Mastantuono’s agents have reportedly been taking their time, in part to wait and see if Real Madrid—European kings of youth recruitment—will make a formal approach. There’s no guarantee who’ll win the race, but PSG’s enterprising efforts have clearly re-shaped the situation almost overnight.

Chelsea’s current recruitment drive for wonderkids now faces a tricky fork in the road. Even if they can agree terms with River Plate, navigating new FA work permit rules, a hefty transfer fee, and competition from PSG and Spanish clubs might prove too much. Meanwhile, if Mastantuono has a breakout showing at the Club World Cup, there’s a real chance the likes of Real Madrid or even other surprise suitors join the fray, complicating matters further.

For now, Chelsea’s scouts and recruitment staff can only watch as PSG’s negotiation tactics take center stage. Mastantuono’s next steps are set to be watched by every major club and countless fans. As the transfer window heats up, expect more twists—because this young Argentine’s transfer saga is just getting started.