Aurelien Tchouameni has increasingly come into focus as a possible signing for Manchester United this summer as they attempt to bolster their midfield options, putting him in direct competition with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Over the last 48 hours, Tchouameni has been increasingly spoken about in positive terms in Man Utd circles.
Real Madrid are ready to demand up to €80 million for the former Bordeaux and Monaco player, and though the 26-year-old has not been at the peak of his powers this season, he could certainly offer the Red Devils a great deal in the heart of the field.
Tchouameni to Man Utd: A growing rumour
A string of major sources has reported that Tchouameni is appearing increasingly highly on Man Utd’s radar.
Signing a player in his mould is the Red Devils’ “most pressing concern” this summer due to the departure of Casemiro, TalkSport reports. But it also claims that any move for Tchouameni will be contingent on Real Madrid’s own midfield plans, and whether they can capture either Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea or Rodri from Manchester City.
This claim is echoed by Sky Sports News.
So while Tchouameni is a player increasingly favoured at Old Trafford, there are doubts as to whether he will even be on the market.
Tchouameni has qualities Man Utd will need
Tchouameni has been lumped in with United’s other central midfield targets this summer, who include the likes of Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali.
In truth, he is a different type of player to these stars with the exception of Baleba, who also came through a Ligue 1 education. The Brighton midfielder, though, has seen his stock fall after a disappointing season on the south coast.
Tchouameni is a defensive workhorse. In this regard, he is a level above Anderson, data analytics firm SciSports shows. The France international’s open play disruption in La Liga has been of an especially high level.
But the Rouen-born star also offers something that Anderson does not yet have in his locker: vast experience at the top level and top-level know-how. He may only be entering his peak years, but he already has several major titles to his name, notably the 2024 Champions League, and nearly 50 caps for France, for whom he played in their run to the 2022 World Cup final.
In this regard, he offers a leadership attribute that only Casemiro has in the Man Utd squad – and yet he has it at a comparatively young age.
Can United sign both Tchouameni and Anderson?
There is a scenario in which United sign both Tchouameni and Anderson.
The Old Trafford side are aiming to sign a No.6 like the Frenchman but they also want a more progressive figure to act as a No.8. This could become Anderson’s role. It would certainly fit his profile more neatly.
Funds will be the biggest issue to this dream outcome. With a price tag of €80m on Tchouameni, it will likely take a bid in excess of €100m to beat Manchester City to the signing of Anderson. United being able to fund two such deals while addressing other areas of weakness in their squad looks a long shot, but if they can buck the trend of recent seasons by selling well, it may become a possibility.
Related stories:
Man Utd face Bruno Fernandes nightmare scenario as PSG ‘contact’ confirmed
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Real Madrid move confirmed as Rashford saga takes new twist
Transfer Rumours: Diomande agreement ready as Arsenal pounce on market opportunity
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
