Reputable Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon has provided a significant update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
That said, United may be forced to look elsewhere after Alvarez de Mon’s latest update on the saga.
Aurelien Tchouameni Set to Stay at Real Madrid Despite Man Utd Interest
Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters
In the midst of a chaotic situation at the Bernabeu, Tchouameni enjoyed another impressive season for Los Blancos in 2025/26, contributing to four goals in his 55 appearances across all competitions.
That said, a well-documented falling out with Federico Valverde and several other factors have fuelled speculation that the Frenchman could be on his way out of the Spanish capital this summer.
Reports emerged on Wednesday morning indicating that Real Madrid could sanction Tchouameni’s departure, and that United are currently best-placed to pounce on this market opportunity. However, Alvarez de Mon has swiftly dismissed these reports.
The journalist suggests that while United’s interest in the player is genuine, his sources have informed him that the 26-year-old will remain with the La Liga giants next season.
This is a significant blow for the Red Devils, who had reportedly viewed Tchouameni as a primary target for this summer. While they could still look to test Real Madrid’s resolve with a substantial offer, they may ultimately be forced to consider alternatives.
Alex Scott Could be Man Utd’s Most Viable Tchouameni Alternative
United have already missed out on the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, both of whom have joined Tottenham Hotspur in mega-money moves.
That leaves the Manchester club with few top-class midfield options who are understood to be potentially available on the market this summer. However, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is of interest to United and is currently said to be valued by the Cherries at around £80million.
While Scott is a different profile to Tchouameni, his skillset would complement Kobbie Mainoo’s nicely, and the pair of youngsters could develop a fruitful partnership at the base of United’s midfield for several years to come.
Russia’s return to the Olympic Games could have a knock-on effect on their national football team, who have sat out this summer’s World Cup.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension from global competition. This has sparked backlash, particularly from Ukrainian sportspeople, including Wimbledon star Marta Kostyuk, who called the decision “terrible.”
Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions since the war in Ukraine in March 2022. The nation’s football teams have since sat out World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
FIFA and UEFA Stance on Russia Ban
Despite the IOC’s decision to provisionally lift Russia’s suspension, UEFA are prepared to block Russian teams from returning to international football. That means the country is the only UEFA member association that can’t enter the Euro 2028 qualifying process.
While UEFA haven’t commented, The Guardian claims that several national associations have said there is “no realistic prospect of Russian sides being welcomed back into European football. That also includes the 2030 World Cup because while it is a FIFA tournament, European qualifying is handled by UEFA.
FIFA are expected to review their position on its ban on Russian teams, which has been in place for four years. They have confirmed that they will “analyse the decision before deciding on next steps.”
Both football governing bodies have been embroiled in a stand-off recently amid FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup. This allowed Balogun to play in the USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in their Round of 16 clash.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked that the one-game ban be reviewed. He then thanked the sporting body for making the “right decision.”
UEFA responded with a lengthy statement, hitting out at FIFA and expressing its “disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” Should FIFA opt to follow the IOC in lifting its ban on Russian teams, it will only further harm the two organisations’ relationship.
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Infantino Presidency Could be Key
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Infantino has already hinted at welcoming Russia back to world football, and he holds a close relationship with Vladimir Putin. They worked together when the 2018 World Cup was staged in Russia.
The FIFA President claimed in February: “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.”
Infantino has come under fire during the build-up and throughout the World Cup for letting politics influence sporting decisions. Many are calling for his removal from his position following the Balogun controversy.
European lawmakers are reportedly gathering evidence to launch a probe into FIFA and Infantino. Should an investigation take place, it could affect any decision to lift the ban on Russian teams.
Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni after he agreed a contract extension at the Bernabeu, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have been pushing to upgrade their midfield options this summer after Casemiro departed at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup, leaving Michael Carrick short of options in the middle of the park.
A deal for Ederson has already been agreed with Atalanta, while United also agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos on Wednesday afternoon, adding two new faces to the squad. But they now look set to miss out on another top target after Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
Tottenham Hotspur are having a dream summer transfer window so far, and they’re ready to go all in to get another deal over the line, according to reports in Spain.
The north London side have completed six deals already for manager Roberto De Zerbi as they plan a major overhaul following two consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali all arriving.
But the club are not done there and are now looking to add a new forward to their squad, with one name in particular seen as the dream target.
Tottenham Ready to Go All Out for Kroupi
It’s been reported that Spurs are looking to complete a deal to bolster their forward line with Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, with a £75m bid being prepared to try and tempt the Cherries.
Bournemouth are adamant they will not sell the Frenchman, who has been described as ‘world-class’, but that has not deterred De Zerbi’s side, as they look to make a real splash in the market to get back towards the top end of the table.
Tottenham are not the only team showing an interest in the record-breaking 20-year-old, who managed 13 Premier League goals last season, with Barcelona and champions Arsenal also keen.
However, it’s reported that Tottenham are ready to go ‘all out’ to get a deal over the line, with De Zerbi understood to be thrilled at the prospect of having him as part of his squad for the upcoming campaign. The Italian is urging club bosses to accelerate their interest, as he looks to add a top striker to the project.
Bournemouth, however, have not budged on their stance, and with no release clause in his contract, it will take an astronomical offer to convince them to change their position.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
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Kroupi Would Be Huge Statement for Spurs
AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi celebratesvia Reuters
Kroupi’s performances in the Premier League last season have made him one of the most sought-after attacking talents in the market this summer, and it’s no surprise Bournemouth don’t want to lose him.
Double European champions PSG are also said to be in the running to get him in, with an £87m offer reportedly in the works. But Spurs would be willing to watch that, and if they can beat the French side to a signing for a top young forward, that would be a huge statement.
De Zerbi has made his demands clear, and the club have shown they are not afraid to splash the cash this summer, so this is one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
