Franco Mastantuono is a capable player for his age, but this season has not been what he might have hoped. The attacking midfielder has understandably struggled for minutes across a frontline that boasts Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Brahim Diaz.
Napoli have been heavily linked with a loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono, but Madrid have closed the door on any departure, according to Marca. Mastantuono, 18, only moved from River Plate for €45 million in the summer and has already become Los Blancos' second-youngest debutant in the Champions League and their fourth youngest goal-scorer in LaLiga history. Napoli had been enquiring about a loan deal as they seek midfield reinforcements, but their interest was quickly quashed before any concrete offer was made.
Mastantuono appeared on Cadena SER programme El Larguero and expressed his satisfaction with how life was going in Spain, and hopes to return with a bang. He said: "The people here are amazing. I felt the affection from the first day. That for a player is a plus. I also want to see my best version. Now after this recovery my level will start to go up, I will feel better and I will try to give everything to the fans."
"If we can play with twelve, all the better! Amazing player! Bellingham is amazing, amazing. A player who impressed me, a great person and a unique footballer. Honestly, I say that I have never seen a player like him: a lot of hierarchy, presence on the field. Hopefully, he can play as soon as possible, because he's going to help us a lot."
The fierce chase for a teen who is yet to make his senior debut is fuelled by the rave reviews he has received, particularly from Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and others.
