Manchester United ready to trigger €100m Aurelien Tchouameni pursuit, Real Madrid bracing for bid

Manchester United are preparing to accelerate their long-standing interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, with Spanish outlets reporting that a formal approach is expected in the coming days. Tchouameni has been identified as the ideal long-term successor to Casemiro in United's engine room, but until now the club had not been given the green light to open negotiations. However, according to AS, United's directors are now willing to put significant money on the table to make the France international their marquee midfield signing. Real Madrid are understood to prefer keeping Tchouameni, but the club may be forced to reconsider if an offer in the region of €100m arrives. The La Liga champions are planning to fund a separate midfield addition by offloading another squad member, yet the 23-year-old has so far resisted any suggestion of leaving the Bernabeu. Despite Madrid recently confirming they would not move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez this summer, reports indicate they are prepared to spend around €100m if they enter the market for a midfielder. That figure aligns with what they would demand for Tchouameni, who still has two years left on his contract. United have stepped up their pursuit after missing out on Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham, while Atalanta's Ederson remains an alternative. Tchouameni has always been the top target, and the Red Devils are aware that any deal would make him one of the highest earners at Old Trafford. The player himself is said to be considering his options. Although he has not made any definitive statements about his future, he has resisted talks over a new deal with Madrid, leaving the door open for a potential summer exit.