Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs who are ready to make an approach for River Plate youngster Franco Mastantuono.

Under the stewardship of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the Blues have been relentless in their efforts to secure some of the top talent in South America.

Among those include Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez - arguably the most highly-regarded teenagers in Brazil and Ecuador - penning deals to move to Stamford Bridge in July.

An array of other prospects have already linked up with Chelsea, including Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino who left Boca Juniors for West London.

According to Fichajes, Chelsea have set their sights on adding a compatriot from his age range to their ranks in the near future.

Mastantuono attracting interest from Premier League

The report alleges that Chelsea, as well as Liverpool and Arsenal, are preparing proposals for highly-rated playmaker Mastantuono.

Despite only being 17 years of age, Mastantuono has already racked up 46 appearances for River Plate in several different competitions.

Four goals and four assists have come during that period, the youngster also having earned 10 appearances for Argentina Under-20s and putting himself in consideration for a call-up to the senior team.

Although he missed out on this occasion ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, there is expectation that he could make his bow at some point before the 2026 World Cup.

Mastantuono's release clause is set in the region of £35m, a figure that may represent an attractive investment for the clubs tracking his signature.

What would be ideal destination?

With the plan for Estevao and Paez to feature in Chelsea's first-team squad next season, it is unrealistic to expect another South American teenager to be thrust into the Premier League limelight in 2025-26.

However, more opportunities for first-team football could come at Liverpool and Arsenal, his ability to play as a number 10 and right winger suiting both clubs.

Liverpool may need backup in a central attacking role, as well as more competition and an eventual successor to Mohamed Salah. While Mastantuono would not necessarily be the latter, he ticks a lot of boxes.

Meanwhile, injuries have left Arsenal short in the final third this season and there will be openings for Mastantuono to become a regular in Mikel Arteta's squad if he were to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium. body check tags ::