Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has resurfaced once more in links to English giants Arsenal and Liverpool this summer.
The 24-year-old was seen as an idol replacement for the departing Thomas Partey at the Emirates Stadium. The African honcho’s contract expires next year, and it is logical to find a long-term successor.
With several fans demanding an answer to this potential transfer, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has now poured cold water on these rumours.
While speaking to the Here We Go podcast, the Italian revealed that there is a zero percent chance for the star midfielder to leave Santiago Bernabeu next summer. He said:
“We saw these rumours in England, and we keep receiving many questions on Tchouameni because the summer transfer window just closed. Many people raised rumours about Liverpool, Arsenal, Tchouameni in 2025.
“I wanted to clarify something for 2024, 2025, 2026, whenever. The intention of Aurelien Tchouameni is to stay in Real Madrid.
“The intention of Real Madrid is to keep Aurelien Tchouameni as a crucial player for that project. For present and future. They are in love with Tchouameni; with the player, with the professional.
“How he acted in the centre-back position was something really appreciated by the technical staff at Real Madrid. So it’s absolutely not even considered for Real Madrid to sell Aurelien Tchouameni.”
“The situation is perfect between the club and player. But in terms of concrete possibilities for him to leave Madrid – at the moment, zero.”
Arsenal target Tchouameni is an architect of Madrid’s rising empire
Tchouameni is a versatile No. 6, a regular player for manager Carlo Ancelloti in the starting line-up. Madrid knew about the player’s huge potential and made sure they gave others no chance to sign the midfielder from Monaco for £85 million in 2022.
His contract won’t expire until 2028, signifying the Los Blancos’ fate in the French ace. The defensive midfielder is more critical to the Spanish giants after the departure of Toni Kroos.
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One interesting stat perhaps points to why he is ever present in the first team: The European champions have not lost a La Liga game Tchouameni started since May 21, 2023.
He showed exceptional defensive power against Real Betis last week, and we expect him to play a huge role for years to come.
Madrid’s interest in Rodri could open a door of opportunities for the Gunners
Although the French star has decided against moving to the Emirates, there is one hypothetical possibility that this situation might change. As per recent rumours, the La Liga elites are interested in Manchester City’s solid midfielder Rodri.
If they decide to pursue him next summer, the Gunnners might get a lifeline since Tchouameni will crave game-time.
🚨 Rodri is Real Madrid’s principle transfer target for next summer. 😳🇪🇸
(Source: @diarioas) pic.twitter.com/ypX149Thdh
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 4, 2024
However, things can drastically change as the transfer market is very fragile. Manager Mikel Arteta did rope in Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, but they might earmark another star player to replace Partey next year.
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The North London outfit were linked with Everton’s Amadou Onana and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, but they moved to West Ham United and Juventus, respectively. Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is another attractive option and could follow Merino’s footsteps.
Arsenal have a good relationship with Real Sociedad but are aware of Liverpool’s concrete interest in the player. Hence, it remains to be seen who would be the No. 1 target for the PL giants in 2025.
