Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid and France player
Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images
According to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Premier League giants Manchester United have made a formal enquiry into the availability of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Red Devils have initiated contact to ascertain the Spanish capital club’s current stance on the player, refusing to be deterred by intense widespread reports indicating that the French international has already agreed a long-term contract extension in Spain.
Manchester United undeterred
As per the report, the Manchester United sporting hierarchy is deliberately pressing forward with their pursuit of Tchouameni despite the media landscape suggesting the door is firmly closed.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the 26-year-old midfield anchor had reached a complete agreement to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 2031, significantly increasing his wage packet.
Aurelien Tchouameni, France and Real Madrid star
Manchester United remain keen. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
However, because Real Madrid have yet to make any official institutional announcement regarding the renewal, Manchester United view the situation as an active testing ground.
Manager Michael Carrick is determined to spearhead an elite midfield rebuild ahead of the new Premier League campaign. Having already completed deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, Tchouameni is seen as the dream marquee signing.
The Rodri factor and Mourinho’s plans
The landscape in Madrid remains highly fluid following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup.
Real Madrid’s newly appointed head coach, Jose Mourinho, had originally planned to retain Tchouameni as a permanent tactical pillar for the upcoming domestic season.
Nevertheless, the transfer dynamic could become complicated by Real Madrid’s rapidly intensifying interest in Manchester City’s world champion midfielder, Rodri.
Rodri of Spain
Mourinho wants Rodri. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Should Florentino Perez choose to commit financial resources to lure sign the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner, the board may be forced to consider substantial player sales to balance the books.
Eduardo Camavinga has been firmly touted as the preferred candidate to be sold, but he continues to refuse to leave, which could force the club to consider Tchouameni’s departure.
Realising that Real Madrid might open the exit door to generate immediate capital, Manchester United are positioning themselves to act swiftly if an opportunity develops over the coming weeks.
Real Madrid News
Barcelona forward has zero percent chance of joining Real Madrid this summer – report
Published
42 minutes ago
on
July 22, 2026
Ferran Torres of Barcelona
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Real Madrid have already raised many eyebrows in the market, bringing in four new players in order to bolster the squad ahead of the new season.
Three of those signings have come in the form of defensive reinforcements. But it appears Real Madrid are now keen on shoring up their attack as well.
On that note, the Spanish giants have been shockingly linked with a move for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who has overnight become Spain’s biggest star following his winner in the World Cup final.
Ferran not joining Real Madrid
According to journalist David Bernabeu, the probability of Ferran completing a transfer to Real Madrid stands at zero percent.
Ferran Torres, Spain and Barcelona player
Ferran was the World Cup hero for Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The journalist has unequivocally dismissed the possibility of the Barcelona forward joining a direct rival, which is not a shock given the historic rivalry between the two clubs.
Direct transfers between Barcelona and Real Madrid remain exceptionally rare, and there was little to suggest this one would break the mould.
Real Madrid, in any case, have other priorities. Jose Mourinho has been pushing for a new centre-back and, if outgoings allow, a midfielder, while Michael Olise remains the marquee target the club hope to land as their Galactico addition.
Ferran still likely to leave Barcelona
Ferran Torres of Spain
Ferran will not join Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
While Real Madrid can be discounted, Ferran’s future at Barcelona remains far from settled.
The same report claims the current ratio surrounding his situation is 80% in favour of a departure and just 20% for him staying.
With his contract expiring at the end of next season, Barcelona face a straightforward choice: renew him now or sell him this summer, as they cannot afford to lose a player of his value for nothing in a year’s time.
As for Real Madrid, the club remain on the lookout for the big-profile addition. Olise remains an option but Bayern Munich are demanding too high a fee.
A lot may depend on the future of Vinicius Jr. as the Brazilian is yet to reach an agreement over a new contract, with his deal expiring at the end of next season.