Barcelona very interested in signing Real Madrid, Chelsea-linked Argentine wonderkid

The Josep Bartomeu administration at Barcelona proved to be an utter and complete failure on multiple levels in the transfer market as their pursuit of superstars to increase marketability hurt them on a sporting eschelon.

This also hurt them financially, and the club is reaping the rewards of their failure in the transfer market, unable to chase big names in the market and compete with their rivals Real Madrid.

They have, therefore, changed their transfer policy in recent times, with the aim to chase young stars and cut out the middle-man. Pablo Torre, Vitor Roque, Pedri, and Mikayil Faye are the proof of this policy’s success to varying extents.

They are now hoping to push for another South American prodigy in line with their revised pursuit.

Operation Mastantuono

According to a report published by SPORT, Barcelona are pursuing a move for River Plate talent Franco Mastantuono. Currently 16, the Argentina prodigy has attracted the interest of several top teams across Europe already.

He is also on the radar of Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea, all of whom will want to chase his signature as early as this summer -, although the move could go through in January.

The report says that Barcelona have excellent reports on Mastantuono, and believe he is one of the best talents in the world as the no. 10 position.

They have been keeping tabs on his situation since before the U-17 World Cup last year, and the report says that Real Madrid’s interest in the player has only risen since Barcelona started following him, which has been Florentino Perez’s tactic with South American talents.

Financial problems an obstacle for Barcelona

Barcelona were one of the first elite teams to start their pursuit of Mastantuono, but they will not be able to pursue his signature or compete financially with the likes of Madrid, City, and Chelsea.

If things escalate from the player’s side in the coming months, Barcelona will not be able to enter the race for his signature.

Mastantuono’s will, as such, will be key in this. Barcelona can try to convince him to move to the Camp Nou and reject other offers on the table, but as it stands, the operation is very difficult.