Spanish Media Divided Over Manchester United’s Bid for Aurelien Tchouameni

Manchester United’s attempt to acquire Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has emerged as one of the summer’s most debated transfer sagas, reminiscent of the pursuit of Frenkie de Jong several years ago.

Despite Real Madrid appearing open to the possibility of Tchouameni’s departure, uncertainty persists over whether Manchester United can secure the deal, as Spanish media outlets present contrasting perspectives.

Arguments Supporting Tchouameni’s Retention at Real Madrid

Madrid-based journalist Miguel Serrano recently reported that Real Madrid has dismissed plans to sell Tchouameni. Although there were rumors that Los Blancos were targeting Manchester City’s Rodri as a replacement, Serrano denied any pursuit of the 2024 Ballon d’Or contender.

Similarly, the Spanish outlet Defensa Central stated that Tchouameni is expected to be a guaranteed starter under Jose Mourinho next season, rejecting suggestions that Mourinho intends to let the player go.

According to Serrano, Real Madrid would only consider selling Tchouameni if offered a “prohibitively high” fee, reportedly around €180 million (£154 million), a figure that would surpass the current British transfer record held by Liverpool’s £125 million signing of Alexander Isak.

He stated, “Real Madrid is not considering selling Tchouameni. He’s an essential player in the club’s plans and also for Mourinho’s style of play. Real Madrid would only agree to sell Tchouameni to United if they receive an offer of €180 million (£154m), an exorbitant figure because they don’t want him to leave.”

Additional reports from The Peoples Person align with Mourinho’s intent to build his squad around the French midfielder, while sources at Old Trafford reportedly believe Tchouameni will remain at Real Madrid come September.

Perspectives Favoring Tchouameni’s Transfer to Manchester United

Contrasting the above, José Luis Sánchez, a respected Real Madrid correspondent for Marca and professor at Villanueva University, indicated that Manchester United is the primary club interested in Tchouameni. He noted that United plans to engage with Madrid regarding the player, potentially after the World Cup.

Sánchez remarked, “Manchester United have been Madrid’s best customer with Varane and Casemiro. The feeling is Manchester United is not one of the clubs that mess around with money when it comes to Madrid. [They] would be willing to sell Tchouameni to Manchester United for a reasonable price. I’ve told you and maintain that almost all players, if not all, have a price at Real Madrid.”

This stance is supported by Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, which reported that Real Madrid is “open” to offers for Tchouameni to finance a key midfield target. The outlet added that Manchester United is prepared to present a significant offer to both the club and the player, with Marca journalist Sergio Valentín stating that Real Madrid has given the “green light” for the transfer. A bid around €100 million (£85 million) was mentioned.

Earlier updates from AS editor Jose Felix Diaz revealed that Manchester United has proposed a five-year contract to Tchouameni with a “very good” salary. Previously, Fabrizio Romano reported that INEOS had informed the player’s representatives that a wage adjustment would be necessary, suggesting a possible compromise.

Evaluating the Transfer Situation

Real Madrid and Manchester United stand among the biggest football clubs globally, and any major transfer involving them generates extensive media coverage with divergent views. Distinguishing reliable information from speculation remains challenging.

The Athletic, regarded as a reputable source for transfer news, asserts that Real Madrid is prioritizing player sales to fund new acquisitions, with Manchester United prepared to act on Tchouameni’s availability. Sánchez’s insights reinforce this perspective, contradicting more sensational claims about a £154 million asking price.

While INEOS has a reputation for cautious transfer dealings—opting out of deals deemed excessive and pursuing targets they consider worthwhile—the continued interest from Manchester United suggests optimism among informed sources at Old Trafford.

If any European club is to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, current indications point toward Manchester United as the likely destination.

Featured image Dan Mullan via Getty Images