Manchester United have reignited their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, with reports suggesting a move to Old Trafford could still be on despite the Frenchman reportedly agreeing new terms in Spain.
INEOS have made strengthening central midfield a top priority this summer, and two of United’s four signings so far have arrived in that position. Andrey Santos joined from Chelsea for £50m, while Youri Tielemans’ £35m release clause at Aston Villa was triggered.
The Red Devils had also agreed a £38m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but that move collapsed after the midfielder failed his medical.
Elsewhere, United have brought in Karl Darlow on a free transfer as backup to No.1 Senne Lammens, and completed the signing of highly-rated winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham to bolster their academy.
A third midfielder is still wanted to complete the rebuild through the middle of the park. Michael Carrick’s side made contact with Roma over Manu Kone earlier this week — but Tchouameni remains the priority as they look for a long-term successor to Casemiro.
Contract talk hasn’t put United off
ESPN and other outlets reported on 8 July that Tchouameni had agreed a new deal with Real Madrid, though nothing has been formally announced.
That has given United encouragement that a late move is still possible. The Sun’s Man Utd correspondent Samuel Luckhurst wrote on X: “#mufc have enquired about Aurelien Tchouameni. United not deterred by reports he has agreed a new extension at Real Madrid and there hasn’t been a formal announcement yet. Mourinho planned on keeping Tchouameni but Rodri-Madrid links have ramped up since Spain won the World Cup.
“In a follow-up post, Luckhurst added: “Tchouameni fits Man Utd preferred age profile of 22-26 and is an outright No.6. United have headroom to spend significantly on a signing and Tchouameni wouldn’t command a fee as high as Premier League players while contract runs to 2028, so late(ish) contact understandable.
“Mitten: Tchouameni would be “perfectly happy” at Man Utd
Journalist Andy Mitten was also asked on 14 July whether Tchouameni is set to sign an extension, and what that would mean for United’s chances.
“It sounds like he is,” Mitten said, “but when I spoke to somebody in Madrid after he had signed the contract, let me just read the text back — ‘They could still sell him’. So, there you go.
“‘They could still get him. I will try to find out’.
“So, the player has obviously done well out of this. This isn’t the first time this has happened, where a Real Madrid player has benefited from Manchester United’s interest.
“Look, United were interested in him, as you would be, because he’s very good. As I have said on this podcast several times, the player’s perfectly happy in Madrid. If that situation changes, he would be perfectly happy to play for Manchester United.”
The numbers
Tchouameni, 26, is said to be available for around £70m — cheaper than the £80m-plus valuation on Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
By comparison, previous United midfield targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes ended up moving elsewhere this summer for considerably more, at £116m and £85m respectively.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports understands Paris Saint-Germain have made a decision to sell Warren Zaire-Emery to Manchester United.