Manchester United have set their sights on Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni as they look to solve their midfield problems.
The club has struggled to find a suitable replacement for Casemiro, with Manuel Ugarte failing to impress and likely to leave.
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Other targets, such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, have proven difficult to secure due to high costs or competition.
Although a deal for Atalanta's Ederson is progressing, he is seen more as a replacement for Ugarte rather than a deep-lying defensive anchor.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United view Tchouaméni as a dream target. Romano stated, "For Manchester United, Aurélien Tchouaméni is kind of a dream target.
United believe Tchouaméni could be the perfect player in midfield to replace Casemiro."
However, two major obstacles remain: the player's high salary and Real Madrid's firm stance that they will not sell.
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Real Madrid Rejects Sale
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has made it clear that the club will not negotiate the departure of key midfielders this summer.
"Valverde and Tchouaméni will stay? For me, yes, of course," Perez said.
Tchouaméni himself has downplayed any rumors of a rift with teammate Fede Valverde, stating, "With Fede, we have a common goal: winning titles with Real Madrid.
There's no problem."
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With both the player and club committed to staying together, Manchester United may need to explore other options in the transfer market.
