​Manchester United’s pursuit of Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni is shaping up to be the transfer saga of the summer, evoking memories of the lengthy 2020-21 chase for FC Barcelona maestro Frenkie de Jong. While United still hope to land the 24-year-old French midfielder, the path to a blockbuster deal remains unclear, even as Real Madrid have signaled a potential openness to selling under the right circumstances. Conflicting reports from the Spanish press illustrate the mixed signals circulating in the market.
Earlier today, Madrid-based reporter Miguel Serrano claimed Real Madrid have ruled out selling Tchouameni. Although there had been whispers that Los Blancos were eyeing Manchester City’s Rodri as a natural replacement for Tchouameni, Serrano dismisses this possibility, stating that a move for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is not being pursued at present.
Defensa Central echoed this stance, suggesting that Tchouameni is set to be an undisputed starter under Jose Mourinho next season, and rejecting the notion that the ‘Special One’ would sacrifice the No. 14. To reverse this stance, Serrano alleges, Madrid would demand an exorbitant fee for their midfielder, with valuations as high as £154 million — a price tag that would smash the current British transfer record, held by Liverpool for their £125 million signing of Alexander Isak.
“Real Madrid is not considering selling Tchouaméni. He’s an essential player in the club’s plans and also in Mourinho’s style of play. Real Madrid would only agree to sell Tchouaméni to United if they receive an offer of €180 million (£154m), an exorbitant figure because they don’t want him to leave.”
A report cited by The Peoples Person corroborates Mourinho’s intent to build his new side around the Frenchman, while another update indicated that sources at Old Trafford believe the player will remain in Madrid beyond the summer.
Fans may feel disheartened by this cautious assessment. Yet there is another, more optimistic, viewpoint. A well-regarded Real Madrid expert has suggested the Spanish giants would be willing to do business with Manchester United at a more reasonable price. Spanish journalist José Luis Sánchez, a Marca columnist and professor at Villanueva University in Madrid, is widely regarded as a leading source for La Liga updates, particularly those involving Real Madrid.
Regarding Tchouaméni’s future at the Bernabéu, Sánchez stated: “The main interest in him…is Manchester United. United are going to come to Madrid to talk. I don’t know if it’s this week or when the World Cup is over, but United will go.” He added that “Manchester United have been Madrid’s best customer,” fueling speculation that contact between the clubs could intensify in the near term.
Sánchez further commented that United are a persistent force in the transfer market, frequently pursuing Madrid players and willing to push for a deal that satisfies both sides. His assessment implies that, despite Madrid’s current resistance, a structured negotiation could still bring Tchouaméni to Old Trafford at a price that works for both clubs—though the specifics remain uncertain and contingent on the evolving dynamics of the summer window.
As the summer unfolds, the Tchouaméni saga is likely to feature renewed conversations between United and Madrid, with each side weighing strategic needs, financial thresholds, and the long-term implications for both squads. Fans should expect regular updates as negotiation tactics, market conditions, and the players’ own preferences shape one of the most closely watched transfer stories of the year.