Manchester United are increasingly confident in their ability to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, according to BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone.
Tchouameni has plied his trade at the Bernabeu for four years, helping Los Blancos to a Champions League and La Liga triumph in that time. Jose Mourinho arrived in the Spanish capital earlier this summer and was reportedly keen on keeping hold of the defensive midfielder, but this stance has now changed due to the Spanish giants' pursuit of Manchester City's Rodri.
Real Madrid are plotting an audacious move for Rodri, and they may need to sanction Tchouameni's departure to raise funds and create room for the World Cup winner.
United have emerged as the frontrunners for Tchouameni, having tracked the Frenchman for some time now, and believe they are well-placed to pull this deal off in the coming weeks.
Man Utd Increasingly Confident of Signing Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouamenivia Reuters
United are in the process of rebuilding their midfield this summer. Youri Tielemans has arrived for £35 million from Aston Villa, while Andrey Santos has joined from Chelsea for £50 million.
This rebuild has been a long-time coming, although the need for it has arguably been exacerbated by the departure of Casemiro and the serious injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte during the World Cup.
Tchouameni, described by Monaco coach Robert Moreno as 'one of the best midfielders in the world', has been made the priority target, although early indications from the Real Madrid camp were that the 26-year-old is not for sale.
This saga has now developed, however, with Los Blancos turning their attention to signing Rodri. Credible reporter Simone Stone has revealed that there is an 'element of positivity' around United's chances of landing Tchouameni.
“It is sounding like there is an element of positivity around Manchester United’s chances of signing Real Madrid’s France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni," he said.
It remains to be seen what sort of fee it would take for the Red Devils to pry Tchouameni to Old Trafford, although £85 million, the sum Real Madrid spent on the midfield anchor back in 2022, has been mooted.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Aurelien Tchouameni Saga is Great News All Around for Man Utd
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde
via Reuters
The reporting seems to suggest that Tchouameni's move to United is still dependent on Madrid securing Rodri's signature. Given City have invested £116 million in Elliot Anderson, it does seem plausible that they might be willing to cash in on their talismanic, but ageing and injury-prone, midfielder.
Tchouameni has the perfect set of tools to complement the existing midfielders at United. Alongside playmaker Tielemans, who will provide the progressive passing from deep, the France international can focus on what he does best — disrupting the opposition's attacks.
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The 48m signing has now made two appearances for the Red Devils since his move from Chelsea this summer.
Meanwhile, if the deal materialises, City will have lost Rodri — a huge blow for the Red Devils' major rivals. Anderson's presence may not be sufficient to cover for the loss of the Ballon d'Or winner, meaning the Citizens may well struggle in the short-term.