In a bid to amplify their midfield prowess, Arsenal is reportedly turning its focus towards one of Real Madrid's most prized assets, French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The potential deal has sprung to life amidst the recent wave of new faces joining the Spanish side, leading to speculation about Tchouameni's future.
Real Madrid's midfield portfolio is brimming with talent, including the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and the newly-acquired Jude Bellingham, causing some players to question their roles within the team. Tchouameni, a €100 million recruit from AS Monaco last year, has had a mixed bag of fortunes with Real Madrid. Despite showing occasional sparks of brilliance, his debut season in Spain was marred by inconsistent performances.
While Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta has successfully secured top targets such as Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, he is reportedly still on the hunt for another commanding presence in the midfield. The Gunners have expressed interest in Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Belgium's Romeo Lavia, but Tchouameni has emerged as a viable alternative if their pursuits of the aforementioned players fall through, according to Football Transfers.
The north London team's ambition to lure Tchouameni away from the Spanish capital comes as a bold move, given the reluctance of Real Madrid's hierarchy to offload the Frenchman. The player was the fifth most expensive in Los Blancos' history, and club president Florentino Perez still envisions him as a long-term successor to Casemiro.
An exception might be made, however, if the acquisition of Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe becomes feasible, potentially prompting a reevaluation of Tchouameni's position within the team.
The possibility of having Tchouameni alongside Rice in the midfield would undoubtedly bolster Arsenal's lineup. Whether this ambitious venture comes to fruition, however, largely depends on the unfolding dynamics at Real Madrid and the Gunners' success with their other targets. As Arteta continues his quest for midfield dominance, the summer of 2023 could see Arsenal set new benchmarks in the transfer market.
