Manchester United are moving quickly to act on their midfield overhaul and it seems Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni is a top priority.
It is up to Ineos to replace Casemiro this summer after Old Trafford waved goodbye to the beloved Brazilian in the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.
United need a midfield bruiser to step into his shoes, and Aurelien Tchouameni certainly fits the bill.
Tchouameni is expected to cost £70m, but his recent bust-up with teammate Federico Valverde has added an extra layer to the transfer saga.
How much should Man Utd pay to sign Aurelien Tchouameni? What would you consider a fair fee?
Do you think he would be the right fit for Man Utd?
Man United are ready to sign Aurelien Tchouameni
With the World Cup coming up this summer, United’s recruitment team will be hard pushed to get any deals done before the summer tournament.
But according to The Athletic, United are “in position” to make an offer for Tchouameni if Madrid express an openness to selling.
The report adds that United have been scouting Tchouameni in person this season, and are now waiting for a green light from the Spanish side to move forwards with a bid.
Jose Mourinho’s return to Madrid means he could have the final say over Tchouameni’s future. So far, the player “has not expressed a desire to leave”. But United are ready if the landscape changes.
What are your thoughts on the ‘fights’ between Tchouameni and Valverde… does this present an opportunity for United? Or is this a bad omen for a transfer?
Would Tchouameni be the right fit for United's dressing room?
Why Aurelien Tchouameni is the perfect Casemiro replacement
Replacing Casemiro is a near-impossible job after his exceptional season at Old Trafford. Despite playing deep in midfield, he has scored nine goals for United – the highest-scoring season of his career.
But it is Casemiro’s defensive nous that United need to replace, and there are few better in Europe at protecting a back four than Tchouameni.
READ MORE: Man Utd have already worked with Aurelien Tchouameni’s agents for £65m Bryan Mbeumo deal
As pointed out in The Athletic report above, Tchouameni has a 57% tackle success rate – the fifth-highest among La Liga midfielders.
Tchouameni also ranks highly for press resistance and front-foot defending, two skills which will be crucial for Casemiro’s replacement. The French midfielder has been integral for Madrid this season, making 49 appearances across all competitions, including starting all 13 Champions League matches.
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