Manchester United have spent the summer chasing midfielders. They’ve missed on a couple already, and the clock is ticking. The club’s top targets are a mixed bag of superstars, young talents, and players who might just be too expensive. But there’s one name that keeps coming up internally: Aurelien Tchouameni.
According to The Athletic, United view the Real Madrid midfielder as a “dream signing.” A 26-year-old French international who can lock down the center of the park? Of course they do. The problem is getting him out of Madrid.
The Spanish side aren’t actively shopping Tchouameni. But they’ve got their own plans. Manager Jose Mourinho wants more creativity in midfield, and that means Los Blancos might need to raise funds through sales. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Rodri are on Madrid’s radar, though neither deal looks close. If Real do decide to sell Tchouameni, United are ready to jump.
The player himself? He’s open to a move to Old Trafford, according to reporter Andy Mitten, and would reportedly be keen on playing for United. He’s got two years left on his contract, and wages will be a factor. But the big question is whether Real will even let him go.
Then there’s the Scott situation. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, 22, lit up the Premier League last season, and United are among a long list of suitors. The Cherries have been clear: they’re not selling this summer. Instead, they want to sign him to a new deal with a release clause. That hasn’t stopped United from weighing a move, per The Athletic. But Bournemouth’s asking price sits around the £80 million mark. That’s steep for a club that just blew two other deals.
And that’s the awkward part. United already lost out on Elliot Anderson to Manchester City and Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham. Two young midfielders gone to direct rivals. That stings, and the front office knows it.
Another name on the list is Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha. Sporting director Jason Wilcox and recruitment director Christopher Vivell both know the 25-year-old Germany international from previous stops. But Dortmund values him around €120 million. That’s about £103 million, which makes a move unlikely right now. United aren’t actively pushing that button.
Chelsea’s Andrey Santos is a more affordable option at around £50 million. The Brazilian can play as a six or an eight, and Chelsea are reportedly open to letting him go. United have held talks with his representatives.
Then there are the lower-profile guys. Fulham’s Sander Berge is turning heads at the World Cup with Norway. And Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, Scott’s teammate, is also on the radar.
None of these options feel like a sure thing. But if United can pull off a deal for Tchouameni, it changes everything. Michael Carrick would have a world-class anchor to build around, and nobody would remember the misses on Anderson or Fernandes.
Featured image Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey via Getty Images.
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