European football could be on the verge of another chapter in the eternal rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. This time, the spotlight is on Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old Argentine gem from River Plate. 

Barcelona took the initiative by sending a scout to Buenos Aires at the end of October, as confirmed by *Mundo Deportivo*. During their visit, the Blaugrana representative attended several matches, including the Copa Libertadores clash against Atlético Mineiro. Although Mastantuono didn’t have his best performance in that game, his technical ability and vision on the pitch continue to captivate Barça's interest.  

Real Madrid, however, isn’t backing down. The Merengue side has been tracking the midfielder for some time and has him high on their list of future prospects. While neither club has made formal moves yet, speculation about a new transfer "battle" between the two is already heating up.  

The young player's contractual situation adds a unique twist to the story. Mastantuono recently extended his contract with River Plate until December 2026, raising his release clause to €45 million, which could increase to €50 million during the final days of the transfer window. Moreover, FIFA regulations prevent him from moving to Europe until he turns 18 in August 2025, giving the Argentine club ample time to prepare for a potential departure.  

River, for its part, is in no hurry to sell. Marcelo Gallardo considers Mastantuono a key figure in the club’s 2025 project, and River has made it clear they will only negotiate if the full release clause is paid. This leaves both Barça and Madrid navigating tricky terrain, where financial planning and strategy will play crucial roles.  

Could this be the start of a new market rivalry between these two Spanish powerhouses? Meanwhile, Mastantuono remains focused on his development at River, but his future could write a new chapter in the historic clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid.