Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni after making a fresh enquiry, with reports suggesting the Spanish giants would consider a sale if the right offer arrives this summer.
The 26-year-old France international has emerged as one of United’s leading midfield targets as the club searches for a specialist defensive midfielder ahead of the new season. Although United have already strengthened with the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, manager Michael Carrick is believed to want a natural No. 6 capable of shielding the defence—a role previously filled by Casemiro.
According to reports from Samuel Luckhurst, United’s interest remains strong despite speculation that Tchouaméni is close to signing a contract extension at Real Madrid. No official renewal has been announced, and the Premier League club have continued exploring the possibility of a deal.
Real Madrid’s stance appears to have softened following the midfielder’s involvement with France at the FIFA World Cup. While new manager José Mourinho initially viewed Tchouaméni as part of his plans, Madrid are reportedly willing to negotiate if an offer matches their valuation. The club’s increasingly crowded midfield—including Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and new arrival Bernardo Silva—has fuelled speculation that a significant sale could be sanctioned.
A notable angle is that this is not United’s first attempt to sign Tchouaméni. The club tracked him during his Monaco days in 2021 but were unable to complete a move before Real Madrid won the race. Four years later, with United back in the Champions League and seeking a long-term anchor in midfield, the Frenchman has re-emerged as a priority target.
Despite the growing speculation, no formal bid has yet been submitted, and negotiations remain at an early stage. Whether United convert their interest into an official offer could depend on Madrid’s asking price and the club’s broader transfer plans before the September deadline.
