Manchester United have reportedly made a huge push for a Real Madrid midfielder, tabling a €90 million proposal made up of an initial €70 million plus another €20 million in potential add-ons. According to the sensational claim, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez didn’t just reject the offer — he dismissed the entire pursuit outright.
United’s hunt for new midfielders in 2026 is already well known. With Casemiro expected to move on and Bruno Fernandes facing an uncertain future if a strong bid arrives, the club is preparing for a major reshuffle. Even if Fernandes stays, the squad still needs fresh energy, prompting United to explore several options.
A report from Spanish outlet Fichajes insists that Aurelien Tchouameni is one of those targets, and that United attempted to lure him away with their sizeable bid. But Madrid consider the 25-year-old Frenchman a core part of their future and had no intention of entertaining the offer. Perez reportedly shut the door immediately, refusing any talks.
While United do want high-impact additions in midfield, Fichajes’ reputation for exaggerated transfer stories casts doubt on the claim. United may admire Tchouameni, but reliable sources suggest their real focus is elsewhere.
Insider information indicates that the club is actually concentrating on signing three Premier League-based midfielders across the next few windows: Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton. Baleba, valued by Brighton at around £100 million, has already caught United’s attention and is said to be increasingly open to a move. United plan to return for him in one of the 2026 transfer windows, though negotiating a fee with Brighton will be the biggest obstacle.
Anderson and Wharton together are expected to cost roughly £150 million, with Wharton attracting heavy interest from other clubs as well. United remain keen on securing all three players as part of a long-term rebuild designed to strengthen the spine of the team.
Away from their midfield plans, United are also eyeing a young Belgian prospect currently at Ajax, with Premier League competition emerging for his signature. The club also maintain a watching brief on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, though Liverpool are believed to be leading the race for the winger for now.
United’s transfer landscape is shifting rapidly, and while some rumours may stretch credibility, their determination to rejuvenate the midfield is unmistakable.
