Inspired by Nico Paz: Fiorentina's Mastantuono plan

The loan file for Real Madrid's young star is taking shape around a concrete name following the story we covered earlier. According to Sport, Fiorentina want to use their good relationship with Real Madrid's management to bring Franco Mastantuono into their squad on loan.

Fiorentina's position has also become clear. According to TyC Sports and Diario AS, Fiorentina are the favourites to secure Mastantuono on a "dry loan" (without a purchase option); there is also a perfect opportunity to discuss the matter, as Fiorentina and Real Madrid will meet in a friendly match in Austria on August 1.

There is also an interesting precedent behind this preference. According to Yahoo Sports, this development may well also be inspired by the impressive growth of fellow Argentina international Nico Paz at Como, though it is recalled that this partnership turned into more of a co-ownership arrangement.

Fiorentina, however, are not alone in this race. According to Football Italia, Fiorentina had made an approach for the player; but according to Fabrizio Romano, more than five clubs in Spain and abroad have made enquiries in recent hours, and Madrid's conditions are unambiguous — they will only discuss a straight loan, with no purchase option attached.

Fiorentina also has a technical advantage. As the player also holds Italian citizenship, he would not take up a non-EU player slot in Fiorentina's squad; it is recalled that the 18-year-old, who made 35 appearances for Real Madrid last season but only started 17, scoring three goals, also received a red card against Getafe.

Other alternatives for this file are also on the agenda. Real Madrid are reported to plan sending the player out on loan this season to gain experience in European football, with Fulham, Villarreal, Real Sociedad, Sevilla, Sporting CP and Juventus also among the other alternatives.

Source: Sport
Image: World Soccer Talk