Aurelien Tchouameni has reportedly agreed a new five-year contract with Real Madrid, ending Manchester United's hopes of signing the 26-year-old midfielder this summer. The decision comes just hours after United agreed a £50 million deal with Chelsea for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos.
Real Madrid Prioritise Tchouameni Extension
According to RMC Sport, Tchouameni wanted to stay at Madrid under head coach Jose Mourinho, despite receiving approaches from other clubs, notably Manchester United. The France international's new deal is said to be a priority for the La Liga club, countering suggestions they might cash in on the former Monaco player.
Mourinho, who returned to Madrid as head coach a month ago, ultimately decided to keep hold of Tchouameni. The Portuguese boss has made four signings this summer, but only one is a midfielder – Bernardo Silva – who does not compete directly with Tchouameni for a place.
Manchester United's Midfield Search Continues
United's interest in Tchouameni was part of a wider midfield recruitment drive. The club has monitored several options, including Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Felix Nmecha, Sander Berge, and Ederson – the latter due for a medical after Brazil's World Cup exit. It remains unclear whether signing Santos would have ended United's pursuit of Tchouameni, as the club wanted multiple midfielders even before Manuel Ugarte suffered an injury during the World Cup.
That injury could force United to sign a third midfielder, with Kobbie Mainoo currently their only fit central midfielder. The club were priced out of moves for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
Real Madrid Deny Enzo Fernandez Interest
Madrid also publicly denied interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, releasing a club statement. It read: "In light of the information and statements that have emerged in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid C. F. in the player Enzo Fernández, the club wishes to state that it has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such an operation."
The statement added: "Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernández, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognised, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship."
The club concluded: "Precisely out of respect for an institution like Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madrid's actions, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these speculations, which are unfounded and do not reflect reality."
