According to “Varzesh3,” the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs in Franco Mastantuono, River Plate’s new 17-year-old gem, has solid reasons. The Premier League and Real Madrid are ready to pay his €45 million release clause. The latest diamond from River’s academy joins a long list of talents, with Julian Alvarez being the most recent standout. The Atletico Madrid star emerged from the “Champion Factory,” as River’s academy, one of the best in the world, is known.

According to CIES Institute data, River has exported 51 players to major European leagues. Among the World Cup champions in Qatar, six were from this academy: Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Guido Rodriguez, Enzo Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios, and Julian Alvarez.

Their two latest gems are Claudio Echeverri, who recently joined Manchester City, and Franco Mastantuono—two youngsters born in 2006 and 2007 with bright international futures. Mastantuono represents a new model of complete talent that River develops: flawless technique, tactical intelligence, and early maturity.

Jorge Brito, River Plate’s president, recently told the BBC: “Many of the greatest legends of Argentine and world football have come from River Plate. Our club produces players with beautiful style, excellent ball control, and an attacking mindset. Today, we have invested $20 million in a new comprehensive training center, just 1000 meters from the club, covering football, education, nutrition, and neuroscience.”

The next player likely to move to Europe is Mastantuono. The probable destination? Real Madrid.