Real Madrid News
Real Madrid loanee hits out at criticism after Argentina display: ‘Many times they are tough on me’
Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer amid huge anticipation about the player he could become.
However, after a bright start to the season, he faded and struggled to get regular minutes under Alvaro Arbeloa.
The Argentine youngster moved on loan to Fiorentina in the summer, where he has settled in rather well.
Mastantuono has opened up about the criticism surrounding him after producing a memorable moment for Argentina.
The Madrid loanee scored his first senior goal in the 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso.
Mastantuono responds to criticism
As quoted by AS, Mastantuono addressed the expectations surrounding him in an interview with TyC Sports after the match.
“People are very demanding with me. I understand it, I understand what is expected of me,” Mastantuono said.
“Many times they are tough on me, but I try to enjoy it.”
The Argentine was also careful to make clear that he accepts criticism as part of being a professional footballer.
“I’m not complaining about the criticism. I’m a football player and I understand it,” he explained.
“But people talk about things that don’t depend on me. I just do my job and always try to do it well.”
A significant moment for the Madrid loanee
Scoring his first senior Argentina goal should provide Mastantuono with a welcome confidence boost.
His development remains important to Real Madrid, even while he continues his career away from the Bernabeu.
He is widely regarded as one of the biggest South American talents around, and Los Blancos retain complete control over his future.
Mastantuono, though, insists he does not want external expectations dictating how he approaches football.
“I know there are a lot of expectations and I love it, but I play for my team and for myself, not for those expectations,” he concluded.
An important season for Mastantuono
It is not always easy for a South American player to arrive in Europe as a youngster and hit the ground running straight away.
Many such talented starlets do not even make it past six months, but Mastantuono has managed to navigate the difficult phase.
He now plays in Serie A, where he is being given regular minutes, and this should benefit him in the long run.
Mastantuono cannot control every conversation that happens around his career. What he can control, though, are his performances.
His display against Burkina Faso was a step in the right direction, and it remains to be seen how he fares in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
