Manchester United’s interest in signing Aurelien Tchouameni has sparked an immediate response from Real Madrid as the summer window draws nearer, Fabrizio Romano reveals.
Midfield Monster
The Red Devils are on the hunt for a successor to Casemiro as the Brazil international is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Despite turning 34 in February, the former Madridista has enjoyed a resurgence under interim boss Michael Carrick, having been restored to a double pivot alongside Kobbie Mainoo. While his legs have clearly gone, Casemiro’s abilities with his feet and threat with his head have seen him roll back the years to retain his place as one of the Premier League’s best enforcers.
It will require a defensive midfielder with a complete skillset to properly replace him – with Elliot Anderson seen as the first-choice target. Competition will be fierce for the Nottingham Forest maestro, however, as Manchester City are understood to be leading the charge to secure his signature this summer.
Other operators in the Premier League are also on United’s radar, such as Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. However, each player poses an issue, be it stylistically or financially relative to their skillset.
Shopping in Spain
This has forced INEOS to look towards Spain as an option to bolster the stalling engine room, with Tchouameni a long-term target at Old Trafford dating back to his early days in France.
Former teammate Chema Andreas has described Tchouameni as the world’s “best defensive midfielder”. Lofty praise indeed, but apt for the undisputed starter of Real Madrid and the French national side.
The 26-year-old is an imposing shield for the defence, possessing a powerful frame and outstanding aerial abilities – an important trait for Casemiro’s replacement. While he is smart and neat on the ball, progressing play from deep is not one of his strengths.
This is understood to have led Los Blancos to consider more technical reinforcements in midfield, with Manchester City’s Rodri the top target and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez an alternative. In order to prise either player from their respective club in England, Real are believed to be considering the sale of an existing option, such as Tchouameni or fellow Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga, to fund a raid.
This has sparked hope in the red half of Manchester that Pep Guardiola’s maestro may leave the Etihad and Tchouameni arrives in M16 to make space for the Spaniard at the Bernabeu. A transfer merry-go-round that strengths United and weakens City.
Final Thoughts – Romano rules out an exit
Romano has poured cold water on the prospect of seeing the France international in a red shirt next season, however. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian transfer expert confirms the Red Devils are in the market for “important names” in midfield, with INEOS’ plan being to sign two from their wish list.
Romano reveals there are “some players they really like”, including Tchouameni who is “appreciated”, but goes on to state, “there is no indication of [any] intentions” for Madrid to sell their prized asset.
It seems if United want to find the heir to Casemiro this summer, they have little hope of recreating the trick which saw the Brazilian arrive at Old Trafford in the first place.
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