United told to shatter transfer record for “dream” target, Wilcox has opened talks to seal game-changing deal – report

Manchester United have been told it will require a record-breaking fee to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, according to a report in Spain. Perfect Signing The Red Devils’ focus this summer is a major rebuild in midfield, with a ‘marquee’ signing to replace Casemiro the most urgent priority. A £39 million deal has already been struck for Ederson, though the Atalanta enforcer is seen as more of a versatile squad option than an out-and-out starter. By contrast, Fabrizio Romano reveals Tchouameni is considered the “perfect signing” as the 26-year-old ticks virtually every box INEOS are looking for, even if he is not ‘Premier League proven’. “Internally at Manchester United, Tchouameni has always been seen as the perfect signing for midfield. Top player, elite mentality, world class, so they consider Tchouameni as the perfect replacement for Casemiro,” the Italian transfer expert states on his YouTube channel. The France international is a defensive monster, offering pace and power in equal measure, with outstanding aerial and duel-winning abilities. But this is combined with excellent technique, as he is capable of receiving the ball on the half-turn and playing forward with precision and purpose. Yet to enter his prime, with nine trophies already in the bag and a wealth of experience at the elite level of club and international football, it is easy to see why INEOS view the Rouen native as a “dream target”, especially as he has already thrived as Casemiro’s heir after replacing the 34-year-old Brazilian for Madrid. Madrid make eye-watering demand There has been increasing noise around Tchouameni’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite his contract running until 2028, with both the player and his club open to an extension. However, this is driven by Real Madrid’s desire to add more creativity and control to their midfield, having re-appointed Jose Mourinho as manager. The Portuguese tactician is understood to rate Tchouameni highly, but would be prepared to sacrifice him if it generated the funds to sign a target like Chelsea playmaker Enzo Fernandes or Manchester City and Spain maestro Rodri. This opening has given hope for Manchester United in striking a bombshell deal for the Frenchman. Exploratory talks have been held with his camp, with well-placed sources indicating he would be open to a switch to Old Trafford if forced out of the Spanish capital. United are said to be potentially willing to break their transfer record by tabling an offer in excess of £85 million, with Paul Pogba’s £89m capture from Juventus in 2016 the current record. A report relayed by The Peoples Person even claims Old Trafford chiefs, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, have offered a five-year contract to Tchouameni. However, Madrid-based reporter Miguel Serrano claims it will require a far greater fee than that to prise the Frenchman away from the Bernabeu. As relayed by Defensa Central, Serrano reveals Los Blancos do not want to sell Tchouameni, and only an “exorbitant figure” will change their mind. “Real Madrid is not considering selling Tchouameni. He’s an essential player in the club’s plans and also for 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.” Defensa Central states the Red Devils have offered €100m (£85m) as they seek to “finalise” a deal. And while this falls short of Madrid’s valuation, it is believed a record-breaking bid could “change everything”. But the report concludes that Tchouameni will be an “undisputed starter” under Mourinho next season, with Serrano confirming Madrid prefers to keep their No.14 over pursuits of targets like Rodri, which will prove as difficult as they are costly. Featured image Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey via Getty Images 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.