Manchester United are reportedly intensifying their efforts to pull off an ambitious swoop for Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni, according to fresh reports emerging from Spain. The club is believed to be highly determined to rebuild its midfield structure, and the French star has been identified as a major piece of that long-term plan.
United’s current midfield options include Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo. Manager Ruben Amorim has occasionally deployed Bruno Fernandes in a deeper position this season, but it is widely understood that the Portuguese playmaker performs best when he is closer to the attacking third. Mason Mount has also been discussed as a deeper alternative, yet he too thrives higher up the pitch where he can influence play creatively.
Because Amorim has consistently relied on Casemiro and Fernandes as his main midfield duo, Mainoo has found himself with fewer opportunities than expected. Reports indicate that the young talent is eager for regular minutes and could explore a potential move in January to continue progressing. Ugarte, on the other hand, has not fully capitalised on his moments on the pitch, often producing inconsistent displays. With Casemiro’s contract expiring next summer, United are clearly preparing for a major reshaping of their midfield department.
Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that the club has already submitted a formal proposal for Tchouameni worth approximately £79 million — £62 million guaranteed and an additional £17 million in performance-related bonuses. Real Madrid, however, swiftly rejected the bid. The La Liga giants consider Tchouameni untouchable. Despite criticism during the previous campaign, he has established himself as a crucial figure under Xabi Alonso, becoming a regular starter and a vital part of the team’s core.
Even after the initial refusal, United are said to be undeterred. The club is now focusing on convincing Tchouameni personally, hoping that his interest in a Premier League challenge could eventually influence Madrid’s stance. Their pursuit demonstrates how highly they rate the 25-year-old midfielder.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Tchouameni offers a mix of power, intelligence, and adaptability. While naturally a defensive midfielder, he can operate as a box-to-box engine and has even shown the ability to fill in at centre-back when required. His combination of physicality, technique, aerial dominance, and precise long-range distribution makes him a prototype modern midfielder.
Should United somehow succeed in securing his signature, it would mark a major step forward in their midfield overhaul and serve as a clear signal of their ambition to rebuild the squad with top-level talent.
