Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starlet left out of national team squad amid struggle for minutes
Franco Mastantuono was one of Real Madrid’s big-money signings of the summer.
Over halfway into the season, however, it is safe to say that he is the least influential of the four names who arrived.
The Argentine star began well under Xabi Alonso and fell off towards the end of 2025 owing to poor form and struggling with pubalgia.
He returned to prominence in the initial days under Alvaro Arbeloa, but has once again fallen off and is struggling in the pecking order.
A cascade of unfortunate developments
If it was not enough that Mastantuono’s importance at the club level is dwindling, the player has now suffered a blow in terms of his international hopes as well, despite being highly rated by the Argentine national team and Lionel Scaloni.
#SelecciónMayor 📋Lista de convocados por el entrenador Lionel Scaloni para la Fecha FIFA de marzo.
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 18, 2026
¡Vamos Argentina! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/dzyWhNClTD
Recently, the national team manager officially released his squad for the upcoming international break, which is the final hiatus before the FIFA World Cup later this year. Mastantuono, however, had no place on that list.
Despite being just 18 years of age, the winger has already made three appearances for the senior Argentine national team and played for them as recently as November last year.
Given his lack of minutes for Real Madrid, however, he has now been left out, and the development throws major doubt on his participation in the World Cup.
Mastantuono’s last start for Real Madrid came against Rayo Vallecano over a month and a half ago and he has racked up just 61 minutes in eight games since then. His situation, needless to say, is alarming.
His participation between now and the end of the season will count for a lot, especially in terms of whether or not he receives a World Cup call-up.
Real Madrid News
Report: Bournemouth set mammoth €80 million asking price for Real Madrid midfield target
Real Madrid have been handed a clear indication of what it would take to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the Premier League club valuing the England international at around €80 million, according to Bernabeu Digital.
Real Madrid have been monitoring the midfield market, and Scott has emerged as one of the names being considered for a potential move in 2027, although no offer has been made at this stage.
The 23-year-old remains under contract with Bournemouth until 2028, meaning Los Blancos would have to negotiate a significant fee if they decide to turn their interest into a formal proposal.
Bournemouth have already rejected €70m for Scott
Bournemouth’s €80m valuation is not without precedent, as Chelsea tested the waters last summer with an offer worth around €70m, only for the proposal to be rejected.
Furthermore, Liverpool are also monitoring the midfielder, increasing the potential competition for his signature should Bournemouth eventually decide to sell.
For now, the English club has no intention of allowing the midfielder to leave during the winter window, but his situation could become more interesting once the season ends.
With his contract still running for another two years, Bournemouth remain in a strong negotiating position and are even considering a renewal at this stage.
Real Madrid have already asked about Scott
As reported before, Real Madrid’s interest emerged during discussions with Bournemouth over Dean Huijsen.
During those talks, the Spanish giants asked about Scott and requested to be kept informed if the midfielder became available.
Real Madrid’s interest comes on the back of his ability to operate in different midfield roles.
The club feels that Scott has the technical quality to help progress possession, which is a crucial trait that the team currently lacks.
Scott could become a 2027 Real Madrid target
Real Madrid are not currently preparing an €80m bid, but the midfielder is on the club’s radar as they assess their longer-term options.
Ultimately, if Los Blancos decide that a new playmaker is required in 2027, Scott could become one of the leading candidates.
For now, however, Bournemouth’s valuation gives Real Madrid an idea of the financial commitment involved.
However, any move would also face competition from Premier League clubs, with Chelsea and Liverpool already showing interest.
