Manchester United’s pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is currently stalled due to financial concerns, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The development comes after United missed out on signing Mateus Fernandes, who is set to join Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £85 million.
Tottenham’s successful bid for Fernandes, which included guaranteed payments, contrasted with United’s offer that was contingent on add-ons, ultimately leading to the Portuguese midfielder choosing the London club. This setback has prompted United to explore alternative midfield options, with Tchouameni emerging as a prime target.
Tchouameni, a 26-year-old France international, is highly regarded at Old Trafford and viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro. However, Romano reports that the financial package required to secure his services is proving problematic. The issue extends beyond a transfer fee, encompassing the player’s substantial wages.
“Tchouameni is a dream signing for Man Utd, they love the player,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel. “But at the moment, the financials of the deal are considered still too high…his wages are considered too high. So the only way to open doors for Tchouameni to Man Utd after missing out on Mateus Fernandes is to discuss a completely different salary.”
INEOS, United’s ownership group, appear unwilling to overspend this summer, prioritizing financially sensible deals. This stance has already seen them withdraw from the race for Elliot Anderson. As a result, United are now considering a range of alternatives, including Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, Alex Scott, Felix Nmecha, and Sander Berge.
Tonali’s high cost and Tottenham’s advanced negotiations pose a significant challenge, while Bournemouth are reportedly resistant to selling Scott. Berge and Nmecha represent more attainable options, but United will need to carefully assess their suitability and financial implications. The situation highlights United’s need to find a cost-effective solution to bolster their midfield ahead of the new season.
