Benfica could be moving away from a deal for Franco Mastantuono, with Serie A now looking like the most probable destination for the youngster. The Real Madrid prospect has been linked with a loan move, and interest from Italy is gathering pace.

According to Marca, Fiorentina, Napoli and Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim, are at the front of the race for the 18-year-old. The report adds that Madrid want him to join a club that can offer him regular game time, preferably in an attacking midfield role.

Mastantuono is not part of José Mourinho’s plans for the new season, and a loan spell is viewed as the best route to accelerate his progress. He was signed for around 60 million euros last summer and played 35 matches in 2025/26.

Benfica have been keeping a close watch on his development for several years. The Lisbon club have followed him since 2024, when he was at River Plate, and had been linked with a move during the summer window.

Although the Argentina international would rather return to his boyhood club, Madrid want him to remain in Europe. With a number of Italian sides in a position to offer him a bigger role, Benfica are facing increasing competition.