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Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit has given his green light for Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni to take over from Casemiro at Manchester United. Tchouameni, 26, essentially succeeded the Brazil international at Madrid four years ago, arriving from Monaco just months before Casemiro departed for Old Trafford, and could now replicate that transition by following the same path.

Following a fine from Madrid for what Federico Valverde described as a "senseless fight" during training, the France international may be facing an unclear future this summer. United's interest in Tchouameni stretches back to his time at Monaco. With a midfield overhaul on the cards this summer, a switch to Manchester could finally come to fruition.

Eduardo Camavinga is another Madrid player they are also reported to be pursuing. Petit, however, reckons Tchouameni would be a more fitting replacement for Casemiro.

He told BOYLE Sports: "Eduardo Camavinga can play the same position as Casemiro, but he doesn't have the same qualities. Camavinga is not in the first XI anymore at Real Madrid, and I think he's about to leave the club this summer.

"But, if Manchester United wants him to replace Casemiro, it should be with Aurelien Tchouameni. Tchouameni would suit this position better than Camavinga; I think he'd be a great fit there."

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Petit goes even further, declaring Tchouameni the ideal candidate to fill Casemiro's boots, having also considered Carlos Baleba, but notably making no mention of Kobbie Mainoo. He said: "I can see some other players too, like Carlos Baleba, from Brighton and Hove Albion.

"I think he is strong, and I think he can improve a lot. He's got interesting qualities, but for me, Tchouameni is the best fit."

Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether the French international will be available this summer. Following recent disciplinary proceedings against him, Tchouameni issued an apology for his behaviour on social media.

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He said: "What happened this week in training is unacceptable - I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school. No matter who is right or wrong, we should always look for the calmest solution to resolve a conflict.

"Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club. I know the fans, the staff, my teammates, the management, everyone is deeply disappointed by the way this season has unfolded, but frustration cannot excuse everything. These incidents, even if they can happen in any dressing room, are not worthy of Real Madrid, especially since Real Madrid is the most talked-about club in the world.

"The internet loves to invent the wildest stories for the buzz, so don't believe everything that's being said or the false narrative. Anyway, now is no longer the time to figure out who did what, who said what, or who was right or wrong.

"I acknowledge the club's sanction, and I accept it. We remain family, with disagreements at times, but we must always put our objectives above everything else. I apologised to the group, and I also want to extend my apologies to all Madridistas."