Arsenal is reportedly considering a bold move on Real Madrid's prodigious midfield talent, Aurelien Tchouameni, sources from Football Transfers reveal. The North Londoners have included the French player on their transfer shortlist, marking another potential high-profile pursuit this summer.
Real Madrid's midfield is currently packed with top-tier talents including Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and new signing Jude Bellingham. Despite Tchouameni's inconsistent performance during his debut season, Real Madrid's President, Florentino Perez, remains confident in the young player's potential, envisioning him as a cornerstone of the team's future strategy.
The Gunners, however, have shown significant ambition in their recent transfer strategies. Earlier this week, they finalized an unprecedented £105m deal for West Ham's Declan Rice, in addition to acquiring Kai Havertz for an estimated £65m. Now, Tchouameni's name appears to be on the docket, with Mikel Arteta keen to add further strength to his midfield this summer.
The hunt for additional midfield prowess comes as the Gunners encounter obstacles in their efforts to land Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia. Both players have been targeted as prospective partners for Rice, but fierce competition and complex negotiations have pushed Arsenal to consider alternatives. "If Arsenal misses out on their two top targets, they will 'test the waters' over a move for Tchouameni," Football Transfers' Jacque Talbot reports.
However, securing Tchouameni's services will likely be a costly venture. Last year, Real Madrid shelled out a hefty €100m to transfer him from AS Monaco. It's reported that Florentino Perez "will certainly not accept anything less than the €100 million that Real paid," creating a significant financial hurdle for the Gunners.
Nonetheless, the potential shift to Arsenal could provide Tchouameni with an opportunity to rejuvenate his career, particularly if he finds himself battling for playing time at Real Madrid following the arrival of Jude Bellingham. There's speculation that the English starlet could take on a central role in Madrid's strategy, which might limit Tchouameni's chances on the field.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Arsenal assesses its transfer options and weighs the financial implications. Should a deal for Tchouameni materialize, it will undoubtedly add further dynamism to Arteta's ambitious squad, gearing up for a triumphant season ahead. The football world is watching closely as this potential blockbuster transfer unfolds.