Reports in the Spanish media suggest Napoli are preparing an offer of up to €50 million for Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono in the January window, but Real Madrid are not interested in letting him go. Sources say that any such offer would be quickly turned down by Los Blancos as they view the 18‑year‑old as a key talent for the future rather than a sell‑on asset.
💼 Napoli’s Interest and Real Madrid’s Response
Napoli’s interest reportedly comes amid their own injury‑stricken squad and desire to reinforce in midfield, leading them to explore a loan or transfer deal that could total around €50m including a buy option. However, Real Madrid have already declined Napoli’s loan proposal, indicating that Mastantuono is not going anywhere this winter — and certainly not on a permanent basis for that sum.
Consistent reporting from transfer insiders confirms that Real Madrid intend to keep Mastantuono through the season as part of their long‑term development plans, with manager Xabi Alonso and the club’s hierarchy seeing significant potential in the young Argentine.
🔄 The Nico Paz Factor
Part of Real Madrid’s future planning includes the expected return of Nico Paz from his loan at Como in summer 2026. Madrid have a buy‑back clause that rises slightly if exercised next year, and the club is widely reported to be preparing to bring Paz back to the Bernabéu to contribute to the squad once his development continues.
Paz’s impending return is believed to factor into Real Madrid’s decisions around squad planning and youth development — not as a direct replacement for Mastantuono, but as part of a broader strategy to bring in multiple young midfield talents and integrate them into the first team over time.
📊 What This Means
- Napoli interest is real, and they’ve explored a €50m valuation for Mastantuono, possibly including a loan + buy structure.
- Real Madrid remain committed to keeping Mastantuono, rejecting moves in January and seeing him as a long‑term asset.
- Nico Paz is still on Real Madrid’s radar and expected to return in 2026, fitting the club’s broader midfield evolution.
In short, Real Madrid aren’t selling their exciting young midfielder now — and they’re already planning future returns of top talent to strengthen the squad in the years ahead.
