Aurelien Tchouameni’s future is up in the air at Real Madrid ahead of their squad overhaul this summer.
Back-to-back trophyless campaigns have left the board plotting major changes to prevent such a situation from happening again.
Alas, they have started in the managerial hot seat by calling upon Jose Mourinho to make a shock return to the club for 2026/2027.
The former Manchester United boss is said to have one prime midfield target in mind in the form of Mateus Fernandes, who’s being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.
United have already held positive talks with the 21-year-old as he prepares for a second successive summer transfer following West Ham’s relegation.
As things stand, the Irons will demand a fee in the region of £80-85 million for Fernandes, but would undoubtedly welcome a bidding war between two European giants such as Madrid and United.
However, United may accept missing out on Fernandes if it means signing long-standing target Tchouameni.
He is one player who may be deemed surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu, and ESPN journalist Rodra believes the 20-time English champions are serious contenders.
The Bordeaux graduate, 26, was involved in a notorious training ground bust-up with counterpart Federico Valverde earlier this year, which led to the latter having to go to hospital and miss a fortnight of action.
Days later, the pair attempted to save face and diffuse the situation by releasing statements on social media, though it was already common knowledge that the reports were accurate – especially given Valverde was seen with a mark on his face from the incident.
🚨 Federico Valverde & Aurelien Tchouameni in dressing-room fight at Real Madrid training ground. Valverde went to hospital with head injury. Follows altercation 24hrs earlier. #RMFC expected to take action. W/ @GuillermoRai_ @MarioCortegana @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/YYWKTdSKCN
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 7, 2026
As such, you’d imagine Tchouameni would consider exploring a new venture to leave any bad blood behind and focus solely on his football.
The France star, currently playing at the World Cup, would cost around £70m this transfer window.
Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport. She is now the editor of UtdReport.
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