After missing out on Mateus Fernandes to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United are now prioritising a move to sign Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Red Devils are desperately on the hunt for midfield reinforcements at a time when the market in the Premier League is beginning to rise higher than ever. It’s seen Fernandes and Sandro Tonali join Tottenham for a combined £165m.
Things may not be any cheaper when chasing Tchouameni, however, and Real Madrid have now made their stance clear over selling the Frenchman this summer.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
It’s an open secret that Man United want a midfielder after missing out on Fernandes and it’s also well known that there have been doubts over Tchouameni’s Real Madrid future. The Frenchman’s publicised fight with Fede Valverde ignited rumours that he could head for the exit door. |
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Finances |
In terms of a transfer fee, whilst a specific number has not been named, Tchouameni is not expected to come cheap. Add on his reported €280k (£240k) salary and it’s certainly a hefty deal. |
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Insight |
Forget Fernandes, the Real Madrid star should have been Man United’s top target all along. He is a serial winner at the heart of the Bernabeu midfield and more than has the quality to take Michael Carrick’s side up another level. |
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Impact |
A move for Tchouameni could end Man United’s pursuit of Alex Scott and others, perhaps creating a domino effect between a number of Premier League clubs. In the end, it’s the Red Devils who would be the true winners. |
The big question mark that remains is whether Real Madrid are willing to sell their midfield star in the coming months. However, reports suggest that United already have an answer to that question.
Man Utd learn Real Madrid’s Tchouameni stance
According to AS in Spain, Man United are now prioritising a move for Tchouameni despite learning that Real Madrid do not want to lose the Frenchman this summer.
On paper, it may seem like that’s a deal-breaker, but factor in the fact that the midfielder has just two years left on his current contract and Madrid may have to change their stance sooner rather than later as INEOS refuse to take no for an answer.
Tchouameni’s fight with Valverde hardly helps his own cause, either. So, as of right now, several factors suggest that Real Madrid’s stance may not last the test of time.
Tchouameni would be the perfect Mainoo partner
It wasn’t so long ago that another Real Madrid midfielder was arriving at Old Trafford. That seemed to work out pretty well, even if Jamie Carragher told that same player to leave the football before it left him. Now, Los Blancos and the Red Devils could be about to do business again.
This time, there’s little chance that anyone will suggest retirement after just a year at the club, either. Tchouameni is at the peak of his powers at 26 years old and has found himself at the centre of praise during his time in Spain, even when out of position.
“Without three centre-backs, Tchouameni played a fantastic game as a centre-back. It’s an emergency now, but we understand he’s a fantastic player in every place you put him. He’s good as a number six, but also as a centre-back.” – Ex-Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti
In terms of balance, Tchouameni will provide the physicality that Kobbie Mainoo otherwise lacks. The Madrid man won 5.84 duels per game in La Liga last season and that didn’t come at a cost of technical ability, having also maintained a 91.5% pass rate.
As a midfield anchor, the Frenchman would be the perfect option to partner Mainoo next season.
