Tottenham call Real Madrid to sign player discarded by José Mourinho – Summer move on cards

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among a host of European clubs monitoring the situation of highly-rated Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono, with the Argentine winger expected to leave the Spanish giants on loan this summer in search of regular first-team football.

Mastantuono only arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu from Argentine powerhouse River Plate in June 2025 amid huge expectations surrounding his future. Considered one of South America’s brightest talents, the 18-year-old was viewed as a major investment for Real Madrid. However, breaking into one of the strongest squads in world football proved difficult during his debut campaign in Spain.

The teenager was largely restricted to a supporting role throughout the season, making 34 appearances across all competitions but accumulating just 1,484 minutes on the pitch. During that time, he registered three goals and one assist, with only one of those goals coming in La Liga. While his performances showed flashes of the quality that made him such a sought-after prospect, opportunities were limited due to fierce competition for places.

As a result, both the player and Real Madrid are believed to recognise that a temporary move could be the best solution for his continued development. With regular game time unlikely to be guaranteed at the Bernabéu next season, a loan spell elsewhere appears increasingly probable.

According to reports from Spanish outlet Sport, Tottenham have already made contact regarding a potential deal. The report claims that Spurs are one of several clubs that have expressed interest after learning that Mastantuono does not feature prominently in the plans of newly appointed Real Madrid manager José Mourinho.

Following a disappointing campaign, Madrid have turned to Mourinho in an attempt to restore the club to the summit of European football. The Portuguese coach is reportedly focused on building a squad capable of competing immediately for major honours, and Mastantuono may find his opportunities even more limited under the new regime.

Real Madrid have therefore decided to explore loan options for the youngster and have reportedly received enquiries from numerous clubs across Europe. Tottenham are among those showing interest, but they face significant competition from Villarreal, FC Porto, Sporting CP, Benfica, Inter Milan, Juventus, Stade Rennais and even his former club River Plate.

Despite interest from Argentina, a return to his homeland is currently considered unlikely. Mastantuono is said to be determined to continue his development in European football and would prefer to remain on the continent for the next stage of his career.

At present, Villarreal are believed to be leading the race for his signature. The Yellow Submarine are reportedly prepared to meet the conditions demanded by Real Madrid and are waiting for the player’s final approval before attempting to complete the move.

Further details from Sport reveal that Real Madrid have established strict requirements for any club hoping to secure Mastantuono on loan. The Spanish giants would ideally like him to join a team competing in the Champions League next season, while they also want the borrowing club to cover approximately half of his annual salary, which is reported to be around €7.3 million.

Perhaps most importantly, Madrid want guarantees that the youngster will receive substantial playing time. They view regular minutes as crucial to his development and are therefore unwilling to include a purchase option in any loan agreement, ensuring the player remains part of their long-term plans.

For Tottenham, the pursuit presents both an exciting opportunity and a considerable challenge. Roberto De Zerbi’s side can offer the attraction of Premier League football and the chance to work under an ambitious manager, but they may struggle to satisfy Real Madrid’s preference for a Champions League participant.

That means Spurs will likely need to convince both Real Madrid and Mastantuono that North London is the ideal environment for his progression. If they can do so, they could position themselves ahead of several elite European rivals in the race for one of football’s most promising young attackers.

Mastantuono remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2031, highlighting the club’s faith in his long-term potential. According to Transfermarkt, the Argentine starlet currently carries an estimated market value of €45 million, underlining just how highly he is regarded despite his limited first-team opportunities so far.