Real Madrid already has a ‘Plan B’ if they cannot sign Aurelien Tchouameni

Real Madrid is playing it smart when it comes to the future of its midfield. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro have been the midfield trident for multiple managers over the last seven or eight years.

But, the three players are unfortunately getting old. Modric is 36, believe it or not. Kroos is 32, and Casemiro is 29. Therefore, waiting for the three to either retire or ask for a transfer without having players in the squad ready to fill in would be downright stupid.

That’s why Real Madrid made quick work of signing 19-year-old Eduardo Camavinga on Deadline Day in August. That’s why Fede Valverde signed a contract extension that bumped his release clause to €1 billion and extended his contract with the club through 2027.

The magnitude of Real Madrid’s interest in Tchouameni depends on the asking price

For the last year, the club has been monitoring Aurelien Tchouameni at AS Monaco. However, earlier this month, Real Madrid identified Tchouameni as the next young talent they want to have in their future midfield.

The 22-year-old has drawn eyes from the biggest clubs in Europe thanks to a stunning 2020/2021 campaign which saw him win the UNFP Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and his national team debut with the French coming in a World Cup Qualifier match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in September.

Camavinga, Karim Benzema, and Ferland Mendy have all played with Tchouameni, he is widely regarded as the hottest midfield prospect in France (outside of Camavinga), and he has been consistently one of the most dominant and impactful midfielders in Europe these last 18 months.

But here’s the problem preventing Real Madrid from securing his signature either this month or during the summer: Aurelien Tchouameni is under contract until the summer of 2024. Though he is valued at €40 million, Monaco is looking to secure a bid of €80 million to €100 million for the player.

If that’s the case, Real Madrid has identified Gravenberch as ‘Plan B’

Dutch international Ryan Gravenberch, 19, has been consistently featuring for Ajax since he made his first-team debut in the fall of 2018, and Real Madrid are definitely interested, per ESPN. He has made 88 appearances in total for Ajax and is a force winning the ball back.

Standing at 6-foot-3, Gravenberch is a menace in the air and strong on the ball. In 20 Eredivisie appearances this season, Gravenberch is averaging 1.2 key passes per game and has three assists.

He prefers to play deep, but is more than capable of stepping up into an advanced role.

Remember Camavinga is also 19. While signing Aurelien Tchouameni is preferred by those at the club – and by the fans as well – keeping an eye on Gravenberch makes plenty of sense here. The problem with acquiring him from Ajax would be the price tag that comes with his signature.

Since he is Dutch, came through the youth academy, and has been so influential in the first-team at such a young age, the club could ask for upwards of €40 million, like Monaco.