Jason Wilcox in the stands
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Manchester United reportedly consider Aurelien Tchouameni their priority target for the midfield role, but recruiting him remains a tall order.
After buying Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and activating Youri Tielemans’ £35 million release clause, INEOS are still searching for the final missing in Michael Carrick’s midfield.
While the club has been linked with a host of targets, several British sources, including The Sun’s Samuel Luckhurst, continue to insist that signing Tchouameni remains the ultimate goal.
Can Man Utd strike a deal with Real Madrid for Aurelien Tchouameni?
In his latest appearance on the United Stand, British journalist Ben Jacobs discussed Man Utd’s transfer plans, including the ongoing midfield reboot.
The transfer market expert believes Tchouameni is the main target at the moment, despite recently agreeing a contract extension with Real Madrid.
Jacobs insists that INEOS are prepared to match the Frenchman’s current salary, but the main issue remains meeting Los Merengues’ asking price, which is still undefined at this stage.
“There’s a verbal agreement in place (between Real Madrid and Tchouameni on a new contract),” confirmed the journalist.
“If that deal doesn’t come to fruition, price is the key thing! Not wage! “It would be possible to reach an agreement with Tchouameni, but it’s about what type of fee Real Madrid would be looking for.”
"It would be POSSIBLE to reach an agreement with Tchouameni!" 😱 👀
Should United go all out for the French midfielder? 👇️ #mufc pic.twitter.com/Yxxwy1jkOG
Nevertheless, Jacobs reveals that United have yet to open a direct dialogue with the player or Real Madrid, despite their great interest in his services.
“In theory, if the door opened even a tiny bit, and the price was right, Man United would to. In theory, Tchouameni is the leading target.
“In practice, we can’t say that they’re working on it, because we have to respect the fact that there are verbal terms on a new deal and at any moment the door could shut if Real Madrid choose to announce it”
Why Man Utd are keen to sign Tchouameni
Following Casemiro’s departure, Man Utd lost one of their most influential players from last season. The Brazilian has recently signed for Inter Miami on a free transfer.
United have reacted by adding a midfield anchor in Tielemans, plus an enforcer in Santos. However, many would argue that Casemiro has yet to be properly replaced, and that Tchouameni would be his ‘perfect’ successor.
This is arguably a natural conclusion, as the French international was the one who inherited the Brazilian’s place in Real Madrid’s lineup when the latter decided to join Man Utd in the summer of 2022.
At the age of 26, the former Monaco star is preparing to enter what should be his prime years. And yet, has already garnered remarkable experience on the biggest stage, whether at Real Madrid or the French national team.