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Manchester United’s chase for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has become one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer, evoking memories of their long-running attempt to sign FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong four years ago.

Although the Red Devils’ big-money pursuit of the Dutch star eventually collapsed, it remains uncertain whether they will be able to complete a blockbuster deal for Tchouameni. Despite Real Madrid signalling a potential openness to an exit, conflicting reports from Spain have painted a mixed picture.

Earlier today, Madrid-based journalist Miguel Serrano reported that Real Madrid have ruled out selling Tchouameni. While there were rumours that Los Blancos were eyeing Manchester City’s Rodri as a possible replacement for the French international, Serrano dismissed these suggestions, claiming that no deal for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is being pursued.

Spanish outlet Defensa Central echoed this stance, stating that Tchouameni is expected to be an “undisputed starter” under new manager Jose Mourinho next season, rejecting any talk that the ‘Special One’ is willing to part with the No.14.

To alter this position, Serrano stated, Madrid would demand an “exorbitant figure” for their midfielder – as high as £154 million – a valuation that would break the British transfer record currently held by Liverpool, who paid £125 million for Alexander Isak.

“Real Madrid is not considering selling Tchouameni. He’s an essential player in the club’s plans and also for Mourinho’s style of play. Real Madrid would only agree to sell Tchouaméni to United if they receive an offer of €180 million (£154m), an exorbitant figure because they don’t want him to leave,” Serrano added.

A report carried by The Peoples Person backed Mourinho’s intention to build his new squad around the Frenchman, while another update from Old Trafford sources indicated that the player is expected to stay in Madrid beyond the summer transfer window.

While such reports might dishearten United fans, other accounts present a more optimistic view. A respected Real Madrid insider has suggested that the Spanish champions could be willing to negotiate with United at a “reasonable price.”

Spanish journalist José Luis Sánchez, a contributor to Marca and professor at Villanueva University in Madrid, is regarded as one of the most reliable sources for LaLiga news, especially regarding Real Madrid.

Discussing Tchouameni’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu, Sánchez said: “The main team interested in him [Tchouameni] is Manchester United. United are going to come to Madrid to talk. I don’t know if it’s this week or after the World Cup, but United will go.

“Manchester United have been Madrid’s best customer with Varane and Casemiro. The feeling is Manchester United is not one of the clubs that mess around with money when it comes to Madrid. They would be willing to sell Tchouameni to Manchester United for a reasonable price. I’ve said before and maintain that almost all players, if not all, have a price at Real Madrid.”

This view is supported by Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, which claims Real Madrid are “open” to offers for Tchouameni as they look to finance a move for another top midfield target. United, it adds, are “prepared to offer a substantial sum to both Real Madrid and the player to finalise the deal.” Marca journalist Sergio Valentín further claimed that the Spanish club had given their “green light to the transfer,” with a bid of around €100 million (£85m) mentioned.

Later in the day, AS editor Jose Felix Diaz reported that Manchester United had offered Tchouameni a five-year contract with a “very good” salary. Earlier, Fabrizio Romano revealed that INEOS had informed Tchouameni’s representatives that he would need to accept a revised wage structure compared to his current Real Madrid deal, suggesting that both sides may have reached a compromise.

Alongside FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United remain two of the most iconic clubs in global football. Any major transfer between them inevitably sparks intense speculation and debate. Navigating through the flood of reports requires relying on credible sources rather than sensationalist claims.

The Athletic, widely regarded as a benchmark for reliable transfer reporting, has maintained that Real Madrid are focused on player sales to fund reinforcements. The outlet suggests United are “ready” to move for Tchouameni if the opportunity arises. Sánchez’s insights from Madrid support this assessment, countering the more exaggerated claims of Serrano and his £154 million price tag.

INEOS, while often scrutinised, has demonstrated its pragmatism in the transfer market — stepping away from overpriced deals such as those for Elliot Anderson or Mateus Fernandes, while pursuing players they deem worth investing in, like Benjamin Sesko or Leny Yoro.

That United remain actively engaged in the race for Tchouameni indicates that the quiet optimism from credible sources mirrors the sentiment within Old Trafford’s hierarchy. If any club in Europe is likely to land the Frenchman this summer, all signs point toward Manchester United.