Real Madrid eye Tchouaméni but focused on Mbappé, Haaland
Monaco and France defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is a target for Real Madrid, who do not currently have a recognised understudy for Casemiro.
Monaco and France’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, 22, is among the names at the top of Real Madrid’s shopping list if they decide to bring in another defensive midfielder. Currently, Casemiro is Madrid’s only out-and-out anchorman.
Tchouaméni a long-term target, but Madrid focused on Mbappé and Haaland
Tchouaméni has enjoyed a breakout season in 2021/22, but has been on Madrid’s radar for a number of years. As was the case with Los Blancos’ signing of Eduardo Camavinga last August, Madrid won’t make a decision on the player until the summer. Right now, the club's efforts are focused on their pursuit of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Braut Haaland.
If Haaland doesn’t sign for Madrid and the necessary squad departures come about, there’s a very real chance Tchouaméni could join the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid Tchouaméni's first option
AS understands that the player is keen on a move to the Bernabéu. He prefers this option over the other offers he has on the table, which chiefly come from the Premier League and Paris Saint-Germain, and will prioritise Madrid if they launch a bid for him.
Tchouaméni’s camp has also told this newspaper that he expects to leave Monaco this summer, despite being under contract at the Ligue 1 club until 2024. The midfielder is valued by Transfermarkt at 40 million euros, but it has been reported in the French media that Monaco won’t let him leave for less than 60 million.
He has grabbed the headlines in recent weeks, starring in his club’s 3-0 win over PSG earlier this month, before opening his goalscoring account with France in Friday’s friendly win over the Ivory Coast.
Midfield among areas Real Madrid feel needs reinforcing
The midfield has been identified at Madrid as an area that could do with surgery in the near future. With Mbappé and, if possible, Haaland set to be added to Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes and Marco Asensio in attack, the forward line is considered covered.
The same goes for left-back, with Ferland Mendy and Miguel Gutiérrez, who is expected to become a permanent part of the first-team squad next term. Éder Militao and David Alaba have impressed at centre-back, with Nacho as understudy and prospects coming through the youth ranks.
The only areas the club feel require attention are right-back (although Madrid still have confidence in Álvaro Odriozola) and, above all, the midfield.
Madrid reluctant to be dragged into paying over the odds
Speaking to AS, sources with intimate knowledge of Madrid’s transfer dealings say Los Merengues are keeping close tabs on two or three potential signings in these positions and are preparing the ground to swoop if the right circumstances arise. Tchouaméni is among these targets, but there are three reasons why a deal remains a long way from being done.
Firstly, the player is eager to leave Monaco this summer, but Madrid’s focus is on Mbappé and Haaland. Secondly, Casemiro is covering defensive midfield well, even if he doesn’t have an understudy. And thirdly, Madrid fear being drawn into a bidding war, given that several other clubs are interested in Tchouaméni’s services.