Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouaméni features prominently on Manchester United’s shortlist of candidates to replace Casemiro as they seek a new top-class No 6 this summer.
Tchouaméni is entering his prime years and will be key for France at this summer’s World Cup. The 26-year-old is a World Cup runner-up and has won the Champions League and La Liga during his four years at Madrid.
Any move for Tchouaméni – who is contracted until 2028 – could hinge on Real signing a new midfielder this summer and their need to sell to finance that deal. Florentino Pérez, the club’s president, is known to admire Rodri, the Madrid-born Manchester City midfielder who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
Rodri is out of contract at the end of next season and City have offered him a new deal, but if Real opt to formalise their interest in the 29-year-old it could open the door for United to move for Tchouaméni. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández has also been fluttering his eyelashes in Real’s direction.
Reports in Spain have suggested that Real are also willing to listen to offers for Tchouaméni’s club and international team-mate, Eduardo Camavinga, as an alternative route to raise funds.
City are the front-runners to sign another of United’s leading midfield targets, Elliot Anderson. Nottingham Forest are thought to want at least £100m for the England midfielder and their prospects of receiving that will be improved if they avoid relegation. United rate Anderson highly but such a fee could be a significant obstacle.
United want to sign at least two midfielders this summer with Casemiro leaving at the end of the season and the club on course to qualify for the Champions League. They could even look to bring in a third should Manuel Ugarte leave. The Uruguay midfielder has struggled since his £50.5m move from Paris St-Germain in 2024 and is known to want regular football.
Telegraph Sport revealed in February that Sandro Tonali, the Newcastle midfielder, was high on their midfield shortlist but the chances of a move are believed to be receding as they assess other options.
United’s priority this summer is to revamp their midfield, but they are keen to ensure that any new arrivals complement what they already have in the squad and that they get their combinations right.
Adam Wharton, the Crystal Palace midfielder, is another who has been heavily scouted, but is thought to be considered too similar to Kobbie Mainoo to be a natural partner in the deeper midfield positions. Mainoo is expected to sign a new contract with United.
Michael Carrick’s side will guarantee Champions League qualification if they take six points from their final five games following Saturday’s 1-0 win at Chelsea.
