Reputable Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon has provided a significant update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Red Devils are in the market for a midfielder this summer after losing Casemiro, who is set to join Inter Miami on a free transfer. A deal for Atalanta’s Ederson is now said to be in doubt, but even if United do land the Brazilian, they still want further reinforcements in the middle of the park to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad.

Tchouameni has been heavily linked with a switch to the north-west club, with Real Madrid undergoing a significant shake-up following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager.

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.

Meanwhile, if Bruno Guimaraes is to leave Newcastle United this summer, Arsenal appear to be the most likely destination for the Brazilian.

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.

A World Cup full of controversy has been rocked by another revelation involving Argentina following their 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the Round of 16.

Lionel Messi came to the fore once again, equalising in the 83rd minute in a thriller at Atlanta Stadium. The reigning world champions were two-nil down heading into the final 15 minutes of normal time.

A superb header from Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez in the 90+3rd minute broke Egyptian hearts and sealed a last-gasp victory. Lionel Scaloni now prepares his side for a quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Sunday (July 12th).

Argentine FA Under FBI Investigation

REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Off the pitch, more chaos is ensuing, though, as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) are currently under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). An ongoing investigation is determining whether there is possible money laundering involving the AFA, per the Argentine newspaper La Nacion.

It’s claimed that a preliminary investigation began in 2025 to gather information by taking testimony regarding the AFA’s financial operations. The AFA’s figurehead is Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, who was charged with tax evasion following a complaint filed by Argentine President Javier Milei’s government.

The FBI’s investigation is headed by federal prosecutors Patrick Gushue and Christopher Ting. Michael Berger is also involved and took part in the prosecution of the convicted former Ecuadorian Comptroller General, Carlos Ramón Polit Faggioni, for money laundering in Miami.

Hundreds of millions of dollars, estimated at around $300 million in total, are believed to have been channelled. The investigation focuses on whether these alleged operations may have resulted in crimes, such as money laundering or fraud, that fall under US jurisdiction.

The FBI wants to speak to witnesses who could have direct knowledge of the involvement of the AFA during Tapia’s and Pablo Toviggino’s regimes with the footballing federation. Former officials from Milei’s government may also be approached during the investigation.

This relates to the possibility of those officials having had access to sensitive AFA information while overseeing operations with TourProdEnter LLC. This is a Miami company owned by Theatre producer Javier Faroni and handled AFA’s international commercial revenue.

Uncertainty Over Wire Transfers

Faroni and wife Erica Gillette allegedly moved hundreds of millions of dollars through bank accounts opened at US financial institutions Citibank, Synovus, Bank of America, JPMorgan, and PNC Bank. Documents show that TourProdEnter LLC managed at least $260 million in revenue from the AFA.

Only a small portion can be directly linked to Tapia’s operating expenses during his reign back in 2017. There is no valid reason given as to why $57 million had reportedly been distributed to various people and companies.

Some of the companies that received wire transfers appear to be controlled by individuals who received social welfare benefits and resided in Buenos Aires or Bariloche. Tovigginio and his family have also been linked to other financial transfers and to a ‘spiritual guide’ for the Argentina team.

This is the latest controversy to unfold during a chaotic World Cup. FIFA have come under fire for suspending Folarin Balogun’s red card after US President Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino and asked for the one-game ban to be reviewed.