Real Madrid igniting their pursuit of Rodri could well pave the way for Manchester United to sign Aurelien Tchouameni.
Transfer expert David Ornstein confirmed on Friday that the Spanish heavyweights had begun working on a deal for the City talisman, who has his sights set on a move to his home country this summer.
🚨 Real Madrid working on deal to sign Rodri from Manchester City. Clubs not yet in talks but #RMFC now operating on basis of midfielder joining this summer. #MCFC still hope #Spain captain stays with/without new contract. W/ @MarioCortegana @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/MVGhS094pU
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 24, 2026
Rodri could replace Tchouameni at the Santiago Bernabeu
Rodri has just 11 months remaining on his contract at the Etihad, meaning City risk losing him for nothing if they do not facilitate his sale before the deadline and if he continues opting against an extension.
In order to facilitate a potentially costly deal for the World Cup winner, Madrid will likely have to raise funds of their own by selling at least one of their most profitable assets – and Tchouameni is undoubtedly one.
Aurelien Tchouameni vs Barcelona
Masterclass pic.twitter.com/Cg53Vv7zTw
— Omar 🇦🇪 (@RmcfOmar) October 27, 2025
Eduardo Camavinga, while still a top talent, would not command as high a fee as his senior counterpart, hence why Tchouameni may be the star who ends up being sacrificed for Rodri.
Tchouameni open to United switch
Interestingly, United expert Andy Mitten revealed on the Talk of the Devils podcast last week that while the 26-year-old Frenchman is ‘perfectly happy’ at Madrid, he would also be ‘perfectly happy’ to play for United if that situation materialised.
United’s interest in Tchouameni dates back as far as 2022, when he was making a name for himself at AS Monaco.
His stellar efforts across his two-year spell led to him becoming one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe, and Los Blancos eventually beat a handful of sides – including some in the Premier League – to his signature when agreeing an £85 million package with Monaco.
Should INEOS manage to get an agreement over the line, the one-time Champions League winner would become their third midfield acquisition of the window, joining Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to complete the rebuild.
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