United’s hopes of signing “dream target” in midfield soar after fresh talks, blockbuster deal hinges on PL rivals – report

Manchester United’s pursuit of Aurélien Tchouaméni has been reignited after a major U-turn by Real Madrid on their midfield plans this summer, according to a bombshell new report. Bringing balance in midfield While £85 million has already been spent on two midfielders – Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans – the Red Devils remain intent on making a ‘marquee’ signing to replace Casemiro. The 34-year-old Brazilian, who has now sealed a free transfer to Inter Miami, was outstanding last season, despite his legs not being what they were during his heyday at the Santiago Bernabéu. Crucially, Casemiro functioned as the anchor in midfield, acting as the first line of defence with his size, strength and, most importantly, intelligence. Standing 6’1″, he was also absolutely dominant in the air – in either box. Santos is considered a long-term successor to the five-time Champions League winner by figures within Brazilian football. Signed from Chelsea for a fee worth a potential £50 million, the 22-year-old is able to play as a No.6 or No.8, with excellent first-time passing and work rate. But he is not the defensive midfielder Michael Carrick needs to bring balance to his side; the physical monster to provide a platform for Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes to shine further forward. And it is this profile which makes Aurélien Tchouaméni the “dream target” at Old Trafford, as Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed in May. Dream Target Possessing a powerful 6’2″ frame, the Real Madrid enforcer is widely considered one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, having established himself as an integral player for both club and country. Crucially, Tchouaméni has already taken the reins from Casemiro, with Los Blancos having bought him from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth potentially £86 million – the same window where Manchester United signed Casemiro for £70 million. Six months later, the 26-year-old led France to the final of the World Cup, only to be undone by the genius of Lionel Messi. He followed this up with a Copa del Rey, before securing a La Liga and Champions League double a year later. The Rouen native is also understood to be an excellent presence in the dressing room at the Bernabéu, even with a violent clash with Federico Valverde in May. The Uruguay international is said to have been the instigator, however. Aurelien Tchouameni Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played La Liga33311-8-2,623′ UEFA Champions League1313113-1,125′ Supercopa22—-180′ Copa del Rey10-1–13′ Total49462211-3,941′ Source: Transfermarkt.Having long been on the radar at Old Trafford, United have held exploratory talks with Tchouaméni’s camp over the past few months to gauge the viability of a blockbuster move. There was understood to be quiet optimism that an unlikely deal could be struck, particularly as Madrid needed to make sales to fund their own summer signings. However, the possible looked to have become the impossible when it was announced the Frenchman had given his green light to a contract extension. There was a sense his agents had utilised the interest from M16 to leverage a better deal for his client. Yet, in another sharp twist to a saga which looks set to dominate the summer, a report relayed by The Peoples Person yesterday claimed United remained hopeful of signing Tchouaméni, even after the contract agreement, and had made a recent enquiry. Now, The Sun claims Madrid are “willing to sell” their No.14, despite Jose Mourinho planning to make him a key part of his side. The Spanish giant are “prepared to cash in for the right fee” amid growing interest in Manchester City maestro Rodri. “Real Madrid are willing to sell Aurélien Tchouaméni to Manchester United. United have recently enquired about Tchouaméni as they want a specialist defensive midfielder. Although reports claimed Tchouaméni, 26, had agreed a contract extension with Madrid, there has been no formal announcement. Real have been linked with a move for Spain international Rodri, who was named the best player at the World Cup,” the report states. Well-placed sources in the Spanish capital contend United’s interest is “strong” now that Tchouaméni’s participation at the World Cup has ended. France finished fourth after losing the third-place playoff 6-4 to England. Final Thoughts If there is even the hint of a possibility Manchester United can strike a deal for Tchouaméni, INEOS must grab it with both hands, though it will depend on Manchester City’s decision on the Rodri’s future. Real Madrid would only sanction a departure if a replacement was lined up. The Frenchman is the perfect profile to complete the midfield rebuild, with Carrick understood to be pushing for a third signing after Tielemans and Santos. The price will undoubtedly be expensive; his wages even more so. But there are so few elite No.6s at present, with even fewer available on the market, as the record-breaking deals for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali prove. Scarcity drives demand and demand drives price. INEOS must should pay up for Tchouaméni, as there is no one else worth spending that type of money on. It is better to overpay on the right target than not spend at all. 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.