Manchester United are reportedly preparing to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, but their move depends on one specific condition, while there is also fresh news regarding Andrey Santos.

Under Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have made strengthening their midfield a top priority this summer. However, their recruitment efforts have faced several setbacks despite agreeing on a £38 million deal for Ederson Silva from Atalanta.

Earlier reports indicated that Elliot Anderson was United’s primary target at the beginning of the transfer window, but the midfielder opted to join their city rivals, Manchester City. United have also missed out on Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes, who both completed lucrative transfers to Tottenham Hotspur.

As a result, Manchester United have been forced to reassess their transfer strategy. Recent reports suggest that Aurelien Tchouameni, Andrey Santos, and Alex Scott are now among their leading midfield options.

According to The Athletic, the club has shifted some of its focus toward Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, although no formal negotiations have yet taken place. A potential deal could cost around £50 million, and while Chelsea would not stand in the way if all parties agreed, United are also keen on Tchouameni.

Regarding Tchouameni, the report claims that Manchester United are ‘ready’ to move for the Real Madrid midfielder—provided the Spanish club are willing to sell him.

It also notes that a move for Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha appears unlikely. The report details: “United are ready if Real Madrid decide to sell Tchouameni. The Spanish club would prefer to make sales before funding further arrivals, and United have held talks to understand their stance on the 26-year-old France international, whose contract at the Bernabeu runs until June 2028. Felix Nmecha is another option, but Borussia Dortmund sources, speaking anonymously, value the 25-year-old at around €120 million (approximately £103m or $137m).”

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also discussed Tchouameni’s situation, providing insight into what it would take for Manchester United to complete the signing.

Romano explained: “What I have always said, and what I maintain today, is that internally at Manchester United, Tchouameni has always been viewed as the ideal midfield signing.

“He’s a top player with an elite mentality—world class—and the club sees him as the perfect successor to Casemiro.

“There are two main issues to consider. The first is his salary. Tchouameni earns a very high wage at Real Madrid, and Manchester United have already made it clear in their recent discussions that the only way a move could happen is if he agrees to a reduced salary.

“The second issue is Real Madrid’s stance. So far, Manchester United have not received any indication from Madrid that they are open to negotiations. There has been no message suggesting that they are ready to sit down and reach an agreement.

“So, could Tchouameni be the dream signing for United? Absolutely. They admire him greatly, but the deal could prove complicated due to his wages and Real Madrid’s decision.”