Manchester United could stand a genuine chance at signing Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, with Real Madrid reportedly open to a move.
The Red Devils have already added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to their midfield ranks. The new duo joined Kobbie Mainoo, who is the only survivor from last season, as Casemiro left the club and Manuel Ugarte suffered an ACL tear.
Therefore, INEOS are still searching the market for a third midfield signing to complete the department.
Man Utd given Aurelien Tchouameni hope
In recent days, Manu Kone emerged as United’s top target, with Italian sources, including Fabrizio Romano, insisting that the club is working on signing the 25-year-old Roma star.
Nevertheless, British sources, like Samuel Luckhurst, keep claiming that the Tchouameni track remains alive, despite him recently signing a new three-year contract at Real Madrid.
Several pundits have also identified Tchouameni as the ‘perfect’ Casemiro replacement.
In his latest transfer round-up on The National News, Man Utd insider Andy Mitten shed some light on the situation.
The journalist believes Real Madrid were quick to tie down Tchouameni to a new contract because they felt that Rodri was unattainable at the time.
However, Los Merengues have not realised that bringing in Spain’s World Cup-winning captain is plausible, with the player enticed by the move, and Manchester City willing to negotiate a sale.
If Rodri ends up signing for Real Madrid, Tchouameni could be on his way out, but the Spanish giants could request a higher figure thanks to the Frenchman’s new contract.
Mitten adds that Man Utd are longtime admirers of the 26-year-old, who would be open to joining them this summer, even though he remains happy in Madrid.
Can Man United afford Tchouameni?
According to Capology, Tchouameni earns just over £250,000 per week (gross). At Man Utd, only Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes earn more. The latter has been the most important player at the club over the past few years, while the former remains on the transfer list (partially due to his astronomical salary).
With INEOS keen to trim the wage bill, they might be reluctant to match the Frenchman’s hefty Real Madrid wages.
And while Mitten doesn’t mention any figures, the consensus is that Tchouameni could command a transfer above £70 million.
Therefore, Man Utd might prefer to go for Manu Kone, who could be available for just over £50 million, and would request a more modest salary, not to mention that his characteristics could align with what the club needs in the middle of the park, as many observers feel MUFC need an energetic box-to-box midfielder.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
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