Man Utd receive fresh hope over Aurelien Tchouameni transfer - but also a headache

Updated: 25 Jul 2026 15:19 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Real Madrid are willing to discuss the future of Aurelien Tchouameni with Manchester United as the La Liga giants push to sign Rodri from Manchester City, according to BBC Sport.

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The Athletic reported on Friday that Real are working on a deal to sign Rodri, who captained Spain to World Cup glory this month, though they have yet to open formal talks with Man City.

However, BBC Sport understands Real’s ongoing pursuit of Rodri means they would be willing to open fresh talks with Man Utd over Tchouameni, despite the France international extending his contract to 2031 earlier this month.

© IMAGO - Aurelien Tchouameni (left) and Rodri (right)

The Athletic reported earlier this month that the Red Devils have previously held exploratory talks with Real over a move for Tchouameni, who is one of their primary midfield targets.

However, BBC Sport are now reporting the potential costs of a deal - including Real’s asking price and Tchouameni’s wage demands - run counter to United’s plans to spend wisely this summer, therefore making a move difficult.

The same publication understands Michael Carrick’s side are also looking to sign a left-sided winger and a back-up striker for Benjamin Sesko, hence the need to control their budget.

© IMAGO - Alex Scott (left) and Manu Kone (right)

BBC Sport reported on Thursday that United are considering alternatives to Tchouameni, including Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Roma’s Manu Kone and Botafogo’s Danilo Santos.

United’s recruitment team - led by Christopher Vivell - have so far bided their time in the transfer market as they prioritise finding value for money - a strategy which worked wonders last summer when the club signed Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Sesko for respectable fees.

The 20-time league champions refused to get drawn into bidding wars for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes this summer, with the duo later securing big-money moves to Man City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

© IMAGO - Elliot Anderson (left) and Mateus Fernandes (right)

United have so far signed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow ahead of their first full season under Carrick, who was named permanent manager in May after a superb spell as interim boss last season.

Real meanwhile are trying to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, as well as trying to sign Rodri from Enzo Maresca’s Man City.

An alternative report from Fabrizio Romano claims Los Blancos have had a proposal worth €100million (£85.4m) rejected by RB Leipzig, who want to keep the Ivory Coast winger.