Mastantuono tells Mourinho he wants Serie A move; Fiorentina leads race

Hupu, August 1st – According to Italian newspaper Il Romanista reporter Niccolò Santi, Real Madrid youngster Mastantuono has clearly stated to José Mourinho that he wishes to play in Serie A. Fiorentina currently leads the race for the Argentine forward, but faces fierce competition from Milan and Napoli.

Player Profile and Current Situation

The Argentine forward, born in 2007, has been excluded from Real Madrid's squad for the friendly against Fiorentina and is deeply considering his future. It is reported that Mastantuono has explicitly told Mourinho his preferred destination: "I'm going to Italy."

He has thus ruled out any league outside Serie A, which could be a decisive factor in him wearing Fiorentina's jersey next season.

Serie A Competition

Fiorentina is not Mastantuono's only suitor. Within Serie A:

• Milan and Napoli have also joined the race
• The player's personal wishes will play a decisive role
• Mastantuono prefers to participate in European competitions
• Paratici's persuasive ability and the growth path planned for him could change his mind

Fiorentina's management does not intend to pressure the player, but contacts between the parties are real and ongoing.

Real Madrid's Stance

Real Madrid has confirmed their willingness to let him go by excluding him from the matchday squad. Key points:

• River Plate has been informed that a return is not an option
• Fiorentina is a viable destination
• Real Madrid is open to a loan deal with an option to buy and a buy-back clause
• The decision rests entirely with Mastantuono, who needs to inform all parties of his final choice
• Paratici and Goretti remain hopeful but are also aware of the difficulty in signing this talent

Fiorentina's Transfer Activity

Fiorentina is evaluating multiple fronts, as the team needs three to four wingers:

• Recent attempt: Sought 22-year-old Portuguese winger Forbes from Club Brugge, but the player has ruled out Italy as a destination
• Ongoing option: Lazio's Cancellieri remains an option, with his contract expiring in June 2027 – potentially a low-cost opportunity
• Monitoring: Napoli's intentions regarding Noa Lang and Leipzig's moves for Bakayoko

Player Departures

Fiorentina needs to streamline their wing options:

• Gudmundsson does not fully fit Grosso's plans, nor does Sottil
• There are currently no offers or inquiries for Sottil
• The Icelandic forward (born 1997) was previously of interest to Atalanta, but both the Bergamo club and Juventus have withdrawn from the race
• He is more likely to find opportunities in the Premier League (Bournemouth and Aston Villa have expressed interest) or Ligue 1 (Marseille has also shown appreciation)

Source: Il Romanista