Manchester United’s summer transfer window has been a grind so far. They’ve already been priced out of moves for Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes. The Fernandes one stung particularly bad. But the club has been holding out hope that one big fish might still swim their way: Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Now that hope might be dead in the water. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Chelsea is positioning itself to swoop in and grab the French midfielder. And here’s the kicker — Real Madrid is reportedly open to letting him go for around £77 million, which is a number United could actually work with if they pushed.
Xabi Alonso wants a reunion
The twist here involves Chelsea’s new manager Xabi Alonso. He coached Tchouaméni during his time at Real Madrid and apparently liked what he saw. The report says Alonso has asked Chelsea to target both Tchouaméni and Arda Güler from his old squad. Both players have doubts about their roles under new Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, and the club seems willing to move them if the price is right.
Real Madrid’s asking price is reportedly around €90 million (roughly £77 million). That’s a chunk of change, but it’s less than what some other midfielders have gone for this summer. The Spanish giants are also eyeing a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, which could grease the wheels for a swap or a straight sale.
United was willing to break its wage structure to land Tchouaméni. Michael Carrick is a fan. The fanbase is desperate for something positive after a string of misses. But if Chelsea moves fast, United could be left watching another target slip away to a rival. It’s becoming a pattern.
Other names on United’s list
United hasn’t put all its eggs in one basket. Other targets include Southampton’s Alex Scott and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams. There’s also a World Cup wonderkid named Ayyoub Bouaddi that INEOS is tracking. Carrick wants three new faces before the window closes. But none of those names carry the same weight as Tchouaméni.
This one feels different. The Frenchman is entering his prime at 26, he’s got Champions League experience, and he knows what it takes to play under pressure at a massive club. Losing him to Chelsea — of all teams — would be a gut punch United can’t really afford right now.
INEOS has the money. The question is whether they have the will to outmaneuver Chelsea in a race that’s suddenly very real.
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