Manchester United Targets Aurelien Tchouameni for Midfield Rebuild
Manchester United’s pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni has moved up a gear, with wages no longer viewed as a stumbling block – and Chelsea’s own midfield saga could yet push the deal closer.
United have identified the Real Madrid powerhouse as their ideal long-term successor to Casemiro as they prepare a sweeping rebuild in the middle of the park. A £35million agreement for Atalanta’s Ederson is already in place, but that is only the first piece. The club are weighing up as many as three midfield signings ahead of next season, a bold attempt to hand Michael Carrick a group capable of competing with Europe’s elite.
Alex Scott of Bournemouth is on the list as an alternative to West Ham target Mateus Fernandes, while Tchouameni and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are being lined up for the crucial No 6 role. It is Tchouameni, though, who sits at the top of the wishlist.
On Monday, Fabrizio Romano underlined that status, confirming the France international as a major target but warning that his current salary at the Bernabeu could complicate negotiations. That concern has been swiftly challenged.
Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed that United are ready to go big on the 24-year-old’s pay packet if Madrid open the door.
“Tchouameni’s wages are not an issue in my opinion,” Jacobs told The United Stand. “Manchester United would be prepared to make a player like that one of their top earners.
“They’re not in that territory of £300,000 [per week] Rashford, Sancho-type wages, but nor is Tchouameni by the way.
“So I’m not aware that personal terms with Tchouameni would be a problem.”
In other words, if the deal collapses, it will not be because United flinched at the salary.
The real complication lies in Madrid’s own plans. The European champions must decide what their next midfield evolution looks like – and that decision could drag Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez into the equation.
“The challenge is, what midfielder do Real sign? Is it in Tchouameni’s position? Even if it isn’t, do they bring in enough funds elsewhere, or do they need one big sale to make a play at Enzo Fernandez?” Jacobs continued.
“Jose Mourinho has said he wants Enzo Fernandez, and this is why talks are expected to begin between Chelsea and Real Madrid.
“So I doubt Man Utd would be walking away from a prospective Tchouameni deal [based] on wages.
“I think they would hold some optimism that if the player genuinely becomes available, it’s a viable move.”
Madrid are confident they can land Fernandez, a stance that could have major consequences in England. If the Spanish giants push ahead with that pursuit, they may be forced into at least one significant sale to balance the books and clear space in a packed midfield. Tchouameni, coveted across Europe and commanding a sizeable fee, becomes an obvious candidate.
United know the price. An offer in the region of £70m will be needed to tempt Madrid, a figure that looks increasingly reasonable for a player already regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders in the world.
Liverpool are watching the situation as well, ready to pounce if Madrid soften their stance. But United, armed with clarity on wages and a clear tactical role waiting for him, sense an opening.
If Real Madrid commit to Enzo Fernandez and reshape their midfield again, the domino that falls could be Aurelien Tchouameni – and Old Trafford is waiting.
