Manchester United are expected to turn their attention to alternative midfield targets after missing out on the signing of Matheus Fernandes to Tottenham, with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchoameny being their ‘dream signing’.
The Portugal international had attracted strong interest from Old Trafford throughout the transfer window, with United holding talks with West Ham as they sought to sign him.
However, Tottenham have won the race to sign Fernandes following news that he has agreed to meet West Ham’s valuation of £85m with guaranteed money.
The midfielder had an excellent season despite West Ham’s struggles, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most impressive young central midfielders.
you scored
out of 20
Fernandes was widely admired for his composure in possession, progressive passing and ability to carry the ball into midfield, attracting interest from several leading clubs across Europe.
United, who is expected to move to Tottenham, continue to look to strengthen the center of the pitch after signing Ederson from Atalanta and are exploring other options.
One player who continues to attract the attention of clubs is Real’s Choameni.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Through his extensive network of contacts across clubs, agents and players, Fabrizio Romano has established himself as one of football’s most well-known and trusted transfer journalists. He is known for providing updates at every stage of negotiations, from initial interest to deal completion, often before formal announcements are made. I mean, he’s a 10/10 source for this kind of information. |
finances | United’s biggest hurdle so far is not only convincing Real Madrid to sell, but also making their finances work. Choameni reportedly earns around £207,000 a week in Spain and Fabrizio Romano suggested his salary was one of the main obstacles to a deal. In addition, Real Madrid are expected to demand between £85m and £100m for one of their most important midfielders. Unless United are able to reduce their overall financial package, particularly player wages, a move will remain difficult despite their longstanding acclaim. |
insight | Choameni began his career with Bordeaux and quickly established himself as one of France’s most talented young midfielders. His performances earned him a move to Monaco in 2020, and he has developed into one of Ligue 1’s standout players, combining defensive discipline and excellent passing ability. Real Madrid saw him as a long-term successor in midfield and signed him in 2022, and he has since become a regular in one of Europe’s strongest teams. Internationally, Choameni became an important player for France. |
impact | Choameni will bring authority, proven quality and experience to United’s midfield. His ability to break up attacks, retain possession and control the tempo of the game will bring real balance to Carrick’s team. He also has experience competing for major trophies, which could prove invaluable to the Red Devils’ dressing room. |
Despite the praise from Old Trafford, completing the deal remains a huge challenge.
Fabrizio Romano talks about how Manchester United can release Aurélien Cioameny from contract
Commenting on the situation, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano explained why Man United currently face major obstacles in trying to bring Choameni to the Premier League.
However, there are ways to unlock potential deals.
“A lot of people are asking me about Choameni right now,” Romano said.
“Cioameny is a dream signing for Manchester United and they love the player, but the price of his contract is still considered too high at the moment.
“This is not just a Real Madrid problem, but also a salary issue. Aurélien Choameny’s salary is considered too high.
“Therefore, after missing out on Matheus Fernandes, the only way to open the door to Manchester United for Choameni is to discuss a completely different salary.”
These comments suggest that while United’s interest is genuine, progress will depend on fiscal policy becoming more pragmatic.
Real Madrid are also under no apparent pressure to release one of their established first-team players, meaning United are likely to need to satisfy both the Spanish club and the player before a deal can be reached.
Having missed out on signing Fernandes, United are expected to continue monitoring the midfield market as they consider their next move.
Manchester United could sign statement with Choameni
If a deal were to go through, Choameni would be a great addition to manager Michael Carrick’s side.
The France international has developed into one of Europe’s leading holding midfielders since joining Real Madrid from Monaco in 2022.
Choameni has made around 140 appearances for the Spanish giants, helping the club compete in both La Liga and the Champions League, as well as regularly featuring in some of world football’s biggest matches.
Comfortable defending, disrupting opposition attacks and distributing possession, the 26-year-old has become a key member of Real’s midfield.
He has also established himself as a regular for the French national team, featuring prominently in major international tournaments and gaining a reputation as one of the most complete defensive midfielders in the game.
Alongside Ederson: new Mainu is set to ‘officially’ sign with Manchester United
Manchester United remain busy in the summer transfer window.
