
Manchester United are ahead of a busy summer transfer window (Image: Getty)
Manchester United’s first summer signing is looking increasingly clear. Thanks to the ongoing drama at Real Madrid, United appear to have a very real chance of signing Aurelien Choameny, one of their main targets in midfield. The Frenchman’s clash with Federico Valverde has cast serious doubts over his future at the Bernabéu. And it could give United an opportunity to jump in and secure the deal for a lower price than expected.
United are looking to fill the void left by Casemiro. The 34-year-old Brazilian has had a great season, but he is aging and on a high salary. In contrast, Choameni only turned 26 in January and could be the Red Devils’ number one defensive midfielder for at least the next five seasons, if not longer. With Elliott Anderson likely to leave for Manchester City, United need to pivot to Choameni. They have already done so, and there are also some reports claiming that approaches are currently being taken.
The France international is a player Real Madrid would like to keep into his 30s, barring the recent controversy. The 14-time European champions have come close to making 200 appearances for the 14-time European champions in just four seasons at the club since agreeing a deal worth up to £85 million from Monaco in 2022.
However, if the pick is between Valverde and Choameni, Los Blancos will definitely keep the Uruguayan. First, Choameni’s contract expires in 2028, and he is entering the final two years of his contract. He will likely need a new contract, including a pay rise, if he is to remain in the Spanish capital.
Recent events suggest that the idea of him and Valverde playing together next season is unlikely, despite Real Madrid’s public relations machine downplaying the seriousness of their rift.
At United, Choameni would be Koby Mainu’s dream partner after Bruno Fernandes. He has the feet and energy to offer what Casemiro doesn’t have, while also being able to replace what the veteran brings to United’s midfield. Excellent on the ball and in the air, as well as being a monster in duels, Choameni has the physicality to thrive in the Premier League.
And perhaps the Red Devils could take advantage of Real Madrid’s current woes by signing the midfielder for less than his estimated price of £70 million. INEOS should definitely try to haggle.

Aurelien Choameny could leave Real Madrid this summer (Image: Getty)
However, a price tag of £70m would be reasonable in this market. Anderson, for example, is likely to cost at least £30m more. Anderson has never played in the Champions League, much less won the Champions League. They don’t have the same player profile and while the Englishman is extremely talented, he is not £30m better than Choameni.
The problem for United is that they have to do their homework on Real Madrid’s problems. Is Choameni the root cause? If so, does that mean he’s a negative influence they should avoid? Or is it a symptom of a broader malaise among the struggling La Liga giants?
If United decide that Choameni won’t disrupt the dressing room, they will feel they absolutely have to buy him. On the pitch, he looks like an ideal fit for the younger, faster, hungrier team they want to build.
If he is the first piece of the puzzle this summer and United can continue from last summer and strike a deal that fully fills the area of need, then maybe they can really challenge for big honors again next campaign.
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