Real Madrid to block Franco Mastantuono from Argentina call-up as Xabi Alonso says wonderkid 'staying' at La Liga giants

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Real Madrid want Franco Mastantuono to miss out on the Under 20 World Cup with Argentina, with Xabi Alonso saying he will stay with the La Liga side.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Los Blancos are determined to prevent Mastantuono from joining Argentina’s U-20 squad for the World Cup in Chile. The 18-year-old youngster only arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after the club triggered his €45 million (£38m/$49m) release clause at River Plate, signing him on a six-year deal. Argentina’s federation have been pushing to secure his participation, but Alonso has shut the door on any chance of a call-up.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

If released, Mastantuono would miss up to seven matches for Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League. The winger is viewed as one of Madrid’s brightest long-term investments, having already been handed starts in La Liga this season. Argentina see him as a natural fit for their youth setup, but Madrid believe keeping him in Spain is vital for his development. This tug-of-war reflects a wider trend, with elite European clubs increasingly reluctant to release teenage stars for youth tournaments that clash with the senior calendar.

WHAT XABI ALONSO SAID

“If it’s up to us, he’ll stay with us,” Alonso told reporters ahead of the clash with Real Sociedad.

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Despite being left out of Diego Placente’s preliminary U-20 squad, Argentine newspaper Diario Ole suggest officials are ready to travel to Europe in a last-ditch attempt to convince the club. The Albiceleste are desperate to include the teenager, especially after he made his international debut earlier this year in Messi’s potential farewell game against Venezuela.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MASTANTUONO?

Mastantuono is expected to feature again this weekend when Los Blancos travel to Anoeta to face Real Sociedad. Argentina will announce their final squad on September 15, but Madrid remain firm in their stance that the midfielder will not be released.