Fulham have stepped up their pursuit of Franco Mastantuono after submitting a formal request to take the Real Madrid youngster on loan for the 2026/27 season.
The Premier League club have been linked with the Argentine throughout the week, but reports from Argentina suggest they have now moved beyond interest and opened discussions with Real Madrid over a temporary deal.
The final decision, however, may not be made until José Mourinho has had the chance to assess the 18-year-old during pre-season.
Fulham hoping Arbeloa connection can make the difference
New Fulham head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is understood to be driving the move.
Having worked closely with several of Real Madrid's top academy talents before leaving Spain, Arbeloa is keen to reunite with players he believes are ready for regular first-team football. Mastantuono is thought to be one of the names at the top of that list.
Fulham have now formally asked to take the Argentine on loan, hoping their relationship with both the player and Real Madrid can help secure an agreement.
Whether that proves enough remains to be seen.
Mourinho set to decide Mastantuono's future
Mastantuono is due to report back for pre-season on 13 July, where he will begin working under Mourinho for the first time.
Those opening weeks are expected to play a decisive role in determining his immediate future. If Mourinho believes the teenager is ready to contribute this season, a loan move is unlikely. If first-team opportunities appear limited, Real Madrid could sanction a temporary departure to accelerate his development.
That decision may also be influenced by where the midfielder would spend the season.
Previous reports in Spain suggested Real Madrid would ideally prefer Mastantuono to join a club competing in European competition if he leaves on loan. Fulham cannot offer that platform, meaning Arbeloa's close ties with the Spanish giants could become a significant factor during negotiations.
Why a loan could benefit everyone
Mastantuono made 35 appearances during his first season at Real Madrid, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
While flashes of his talent were clear, consistent playing time proved harder to come by as the campaign progressed. Another season on the fringes may do little for his development, making a loan an increasingly realistic solution.
For Fulham, the appeal is obvious. They would gain one of South America's brightest young talents without committing to a permanent transfer, while Real Madrid could monitor his progress in one of Europe's most demanding leagues.
Key Points
- Fulham have submitted a formal loan request for Franco Mastantuono.
- Álvaro Arbeloa is keen to reunite with the Real Madrid youngster.
- José Mourinho will assess the midfielder during pre-season before making a decision.
- Real Madrid are believed to favour a loan if regular first-team football cannot be guaranteed.
- Fulham face competition from clubs playing in European competitions.
What's next?
Mastantuono will report for Real Madrid's pre-season on 13 July, with Mourinho expected to evaluate the teenager before any decision is made over his future. Fulham have already made their intentions clear, but they may need to wait until the Spanish club complete their initial pre-season assessments before learning whether a loan move will be approved.
Would a season in the Premier League be the ideal next step for Franco Mastantuono, or should Real Madrid keep him in Spain?
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