Real Madrid signed one of the best young midfielders on the planet this summer, as they picked up Eduardo Camavinga for a cool 30 million euros from Rennes. Camavinga had serious interest from other clubs, most namely PSG, but he always dreamed of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he scored on his debut. Real had been monitoring Camavinga since Fall 2019, and they were finally able to make a move in 2021 after the pandemic summer thwarted any chance of the Frenchman leaving Rennes.
Although Los Blancos added Camavinga to a midfield that includes two other promising players in Fede Valverde and prospect Antonio Blanco, they don’t appear to be done showing interest in midfielders, including those who could change the complexion of the midfield for the next decade.
Aurelien Tchouameni had been linked to Real Madrid as early as 2020, and he appears to be an even bigger target for Los Blancos heading into 2022.
But although Tchouameni is a great young talent, he will not be easy to acquire. MARCA’s Pablo Polo reports that Premier League heavyweight Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool all have interest in the 21-year-old midfielder.
Real Madrid may not spend 60 million on any midfielder
More to the point, MARCA state that Monaco are currently asking for 60 million euros in order to part ways with their most prized player.
Tchouameni is vital to Monaco, under contract, and capable of reaching even greater heights. He does have immense value. But amidst the pandemic, teams are more cautious about spending money. Clubs like Chelsea, City, and even Real (thinking of the reported figures for Kylian Mbappe) have shown a willingness to pay massive prices for a player, but this really only goes for elite attackers like Mbappe, Romelu Lukaku, Jack Grealish, or recent Manchester United signing Jadon Sancho.
Real Madrid are closer to Liverpool strategically than Chelsea or City right now. Los Blancos have a pedigree exceeding these clubs, but they do not have the financial backing of the Blues or Citizens. Therefore, spending 60 million euros on a midfielder who is not yet world-class is not the kind of deal they are looking to make. It is doubtful they want to spend that much money on any player on the transfer market, with the exception of Erling Haaland and his budget-friendly release clause.
Tchouameni is definitely good enough to be on Real Madrid’s radar, and he could be one of the best midfielders in the world one day. But Real signed a younger and even more promising French midfielder in Camavinga for half the price. These are different contractual and leverage situations, but with Blanco showing promise, too, Real are under no pressure to meet Monaco’s initial asking price. If the fee comes down and no bidding war ensues, then Tchouameni may become a more realistic wish for Real’s front office.