Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has stated that Aurelien Tchouameni will not be sold during the upcoming transfer window, despite reported interest from Manchester United. The news comes as United seek to bolster their midfield options this summer, with several players already linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Reports have indicated that Manchester United have identified midfield strengthening as a key priority, monitoring targets such as Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion. Sky Sports understands that United were also assessing Tchouameni, with some reports, including those in Fichajes, suggesting a potential €80million (£69m) offer was being considered.
However, in an interview with El Pais, Perez firmly dismissed any suggestion of a departure for the French midfielder. When directly asked about the futures of Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, Perez replied: “Valverde and Tchouameni will stay? For me, yes, of course.” This declaration appears to end any speculation regarding a move for either player.
Tchouameni and Valverde were recently involved in a dressing room altercation that resulted in both players being fined €500,000 (£435,000) by the club. Valverde required hospital treatment for a head injury following the incident, though he clarified that the injury was sustained after accidentally hitting a table during the argument. The incident occurred during a period of presidential elections at Real Madrid, with Perez facing a challenge from Enrique Riquelme.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has described the upcoming transfer window as “most important” for the club, indicating a significant overhaul is planned. While interest in Tchouameni has cooled, United are reportedly in advanced talks to secure the signing of Atalanta’s Ederson as their first summer acquisition, according to BBC Sport. The club are also believed to be pursuing Elliot Anderson, though they currently trail Manchester City in the race for the England international. Forest are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of €132million (£115m) for Anderson, similar to the fee Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023.
Anderson has enjoyed a successful season with Nottingham Forest, scoring four goals and providing four assists. He is also expected to feature prominently for England at the upcoming World Cup. The confirmation of Tchouameni’s continued presence at Real Madrid will likely force United to focus their efforts on alternative midfield targets.
