Aurelien Tchouameni: Real Madrid’s stance on United target’s future | OneFootball

Manchester United have stepped up their efforts to upgrade the midfield at the end of this season. The Red Devils are preparing for life without Casemiro, who will leave as a free agent this summer, while Manuel Ugarte could also be on his way out.

The English giants are likely to target more than one midfielder this year to address the situation. Several candidates are being monitored for the position, both from the Premier League and abroad.

One player who has been on United’s wish list for a while is Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman is largely considered one of the best in his position in the world and has been in fine form this season as well.

Aurelien Tchouameni Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

However, a recent incident at the Santiago Bernabeu has now put Tchouameni’s future up in the air.

Training ground row

According to a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person, Tchouameni was involved in a training-ground altercation with teammate Federico Valverde earlier this week. That has only added to speculation regarding the Frenchman’s future, especially with the Red Devils already hot on his heels.

Tchouameni was signed as Casemiro’s replacement at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2022. With the English giants looking for the Brazilian’s successor this summer, the latest development has ignited hopes that a move for the Frenchman could be possible.

The 26 year old under contract until 2028 and it has previously been suggested that the Red Devils could secure his signature for around £70 million. Indeed, another recent report has stated that United have already initiated talks with the player’s camp to understand the possibilities of a move this summer.

The report also suggested that Real Madrid could be open to Tchouameni’s departure as they eye a deep-lying playmaker this year to complement Valverde and Jude Bellingham. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the Frenchman’s situation.

Real Madrid not eyeing Tchouameni exit

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano acknowledged that United admire Tchouameni. He said: “For sure, the situation of Aurelien Tchouameni is making Manchester United fans ask, but now Man Utd can go and sign the player. Man Utd love Aurelien Tchouameni. That’s for sure. They believe he’s one of the best midfielders in the world.”

The journalist, however, insisted that Real Madrid have no desire to let the Frenchman leave, adding: “So, for sure, they would love to make it happen, but, at the moment, guys, I am still told that Real Madrid consider Tchouameni as an important player for present and future.”

“Then, obviously, we have to understand what’s going to happen with the manager, what’s going to happen with the management, if Real Madrid want to close this story by renewing the contract of Tchouameni or not. There are several things to check, but, at the moment, Real Madrid are not opening the doors of an exit.”

Romano also refused to link the recent fight with Tchouameni’s future, stating: “And also Aurelien Tchouameni made a statement today, not just to apologise, but also at the end of the statement, he said we have to bring this club where it belongs from next season, and so already sending a message for the future.”

“Then, if at some point, Real Madrid and Tchouameni decide to part ways this summer, Man Utd love the player, for sure, and the relationship between his agents and Man Utd is a very good relationship, but, at the moment, that’s it because it’s Real Madrid in control of the situation. So, nothing else to say. I will not link this story to the fight.”

Final Thoughts

While Tchouameni could be a fantastic replacement for Casemiro at the Theatre of Dreams, a move appears unlikely to materialise this summer. United, as such, should focus on signing a Premier League-proven successor instead, such as Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba.

Featured image Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social