After missing out on several high-profile targets, Manchester United have pivoted to Aurélien Tchouaméni. The Frenchman’s world-class mentality and defensive prowess make him the ideal successor to Casemiro.
Manchester United's hopes of signing new blockbuster midfielders this summer took a massive blow when three of their top targets signed for Premier League rivals.
First off, Elliot Anderson, who the club saw as their ideal replacement for the departed Casemiro, agreed to sign for cross-city rivals Manchester City in a £116 million deal, with United refusing to compete financially.
Next up, Michael Carrick's club identified Mateus Fernandes as a suitable other possible transfer. Despite the 21-year-old having a preference to join the Reds, Tottenham offered West Ham more money, and he joined Spurs for £85 million.
Then, just a few days later, the North London club then announced they had signed Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for a £100 million package, another player United were considering if the financial package lined up.
United have found their new perfect transfer
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United have now found themselves a new top target in Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Romano explained on his YouTube channel that the French international has been pinpointed as a perfect midfielder signing
United see the 26-year-old as a world-class player with an elite mentality, which they consider the perfect traits to replace Casemiro.
With the club seeing Manuel Ugarte out for nine months with an ACL injury and Casemiro having left, they need at least three new midfielders. Ederson is set to undergo his medical this week, and two further players must be signed.
Two major obstacles in Tchouaméni deal
Despite United's clear desire for Tchouaméni, Romano further explained that there were two obstacles to any deal, the first being the Real Madrid star's current salary.
The Frenchman is said to be on a very high contract of just over £200,000 a week at the club, and United have made it clear to his camp that if he is to join United, this would have to be reduced – something that won't appeal to the player.
Secondly, Real Madrid's stance on selling the player is also a problem. While there has been no firm stance against the sale of Tchouaméni, Los Blancos have yet to indicate to United that they would be open to selling the player this summer.
Jose Mourinho does want new midfield recruits at Real Madrid this summer, and as stated by Romano, space would need to be made beyond the departures of Nico Paz and Dani Ceballos for this to happen, which gives United hope.
However, it feels likely that any advancement on a deal between United and Madrid for Tchouaméni would take time and patience, with the player likely needing to force his current club's hand for talks to really begin.
