Real Madrid have tied Aurelien Tchouameni to a three-year contract extension, a move that could ultimately benefit Manchester United's pursuit of the midfielder. The Spanish giants acted partly because they believed Manchester City's Rodri was unavailable, but the new deal may now position them to demand a substantial fee for the Frenchman if they need to raise funds for a major incoming transfer.
According to the National, Real Madrid offered Tchouameni improved terms to secure his future, but to facilitate a significant signing, they would need to make a significant sale. The contract extension removed any immediate risk of losing the former Monaco star for free.
Manchester United Interest and Background Checks
The Manchester Evening News reports that Manchester United conducted background checks on Tchouameni several months ago and remain interested if he becomes available. The outcome of a possible deal may hinge on cross-city rivals Manchester City, as Real Madrid reportedly believe Rodri could be available this summer. City, however, are understood to be unwilling to sell the Spanish midfielder at present, leaving uncertainty over both Rodri and Tchouameni.
United manager Michael Carrick has already added two central midfielders this summer: Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. They join Kobbie Mainoo and more attacking options like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount. Speaking after Santos's pre-season debut against Wrexham, Carrick said: "There were good signs from Andrey on his first one. He’s getting in the rhythm and feel of it again, so it was good to see him in a red shirt."
Rodri's Situation and Other Factors
At City, manager Enzo Maresca stated that Rodri would "be back with us" and expressed no concern over transfer speculation. The Ballon d'Or contender has been offered a new contract as his current deal expires next summer. City have already spent £116 million on Elliot Anderson after losing Bernardo Silva and are interested in Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi.
A move for Tchouameni could also be complicated if Vinicius Junior moves to Arsenal. Real Madrid have not yet agreed a new contract for the winger, and Arsenal are prepared to make a significant offer. That could eliminate the need for Real Madrid to sell another high-profile player to generate cash.
United have also been linked with Roma's Manu Kone, Bournemouth's Alex Scott, and Brighton's Alex Scott.
