Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM — Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has reportedly sought advice from former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane regarding a move to Old Trafford. The 26-year-old France international has emerged as a primary target for the Red Devils as they look to overhaul their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
According to reports monitored by Okay News, Tchouameni is high on the club’s shortlist to replace Casemiro, who is expected to depart at the end of the current season. Any potential deal hinges on a “transfer domino” effect involving Manchester City’s Rodri. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is said to be a massive admirer of the Ballon d’Or winner and could sanction Tchouameni’s exit if a deal for Rodri is finalized this summer.
Varane, who traded the Bernabeu for Old Trafford in 2021, has reportedly provided Tchouameni with compelling reasons to consider the Premier League. While Tchouameni remains a consistent starter under Xabi Alonso—featuring in nearly all La Liga and Champions League fixtures this season—his contract situation and Madrid’s pursuit of a new “No. 6” have fueled speculation about his availability. The Telegraph notes that while Real Madrid are also open to offers for Eduardo Camavinga, United’s technical team views Tchouameni as the ideal physical and tactical successor to anchor their midfield.
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to offer a significant fee for the Frenchman, though Real Madrid are expected to demand a substantial return on the €80 million they paid Monaco in 2022. United manager Ruben Amorim is said to be pushing for elite reinforcements to provide the “control” the team has lacked in high-stakes matches this season.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Tchouameni is reportedly weighing whether a leading role in the Premier League would further cement his status as the premier defensive midfielder in world football.
