Real Madrid are willing to sell midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni to Manchester United this summer, despite new Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho's desire to keep hold of the Frenchman, according to the Sun.
Tchouameni has been a pivotal figure at the Bernabeu for four years now, helping lead the Spanish giants to a Champions League triumph and a La Liga title. However, after a spat with teammate Federico Valverde last season, the 26-year-old has lost his status as an untouchable figure in Madrid, and the club are now considering cashing in on him this summer to fund a move for Manchester City's Rodri.
Mourinho is said to have planned to keep Tchouameni, but these plans have changed now that the possibility of landing Rodri has become a potential reality.
United are interested in signing the Real Madrid star, and it's believed a fee of around £68 million could get the deal over the line.
Real Madrid Now Willing to Sell Aurelien Tchouameni to Man Utd
Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni lifts Champions League trophy
Aurelien Tchouameni with the Champions League trophy
via Reuters
United have already signed Youri Tielemans for £35 million and Andrey Santos for £50 million this summer, as they enact a rebuild in the middle of the park, prompted by the departure of Casemiro and a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte.
It's been widely reported that Tchouameni is the dream target to complete this midfield rebuild, although the indications up until now have been that the player is not for sale.
The Sun report that this stance has now changed, against Mourinho's will, because Los Blancos are looking to raise funds ahead of an ambitious move for Rodri.
It's understood that a fee of around £68 million, roughly what Real Madrid paid for him in 2022, could be sufficient for bringing him to Old Trafford.
Real Madrid signed Tchouameni to replace Casemiro, who left for United that summer. The Red Devils are now looking to pry the France international to Manchester as a replacement for the Brazilian, in what could be a full-circle transfer saga.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Aurelien Tchouameni Would Fix Man Utd's Midfield Issues
Aurelien Tchouameni celebrates for FranceSarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters
United have already gone a long way to fixing their issues in the middle of the park this summer. The north-west side have lacked a midfield passer for several years, outside of the more advanced Bruno Fernandes, and have finally added one to their ranks in the form of Tielemans.
They've also added a dynamic, defensively-minded midfielder in Santos, who can develop alongside Kobbie Mainoo, and the pair can eventually form United's starting double pivot in a few years.
Tchouameni would be the final piece. The former Monaco man would provide the defensive platform for Tielemans and Fernandes to progress the ball and create chances in the final third, anchoring an increasingly stable back four at Old Trafford.