It is no secret that Real Madrid and their president Florentino Perez would move heaven and earth to sign French striker Kylian Mbappe this summer. So much so, that potentially Los Blancos would be looking to offload Fede Valverde or Arsenal target Aurelien Tchouameni to fund the 24-year-old’s signing, according to a report.
According to Marca, there is a real possibility that could be the case. The Spanish outlet claim that Real Madrid, after completing the signing of Jude Bellingham, would be open to selling one star player this summer to afford Mbappe’s transfer fee, which is around £185 million.
Madrid only signed the midfielder last summer for a fee in the region of £100 million but it’s reported they’d be willing to sell the French midfielder for a cut-price fee of £68-85 million, which is a bargain for a player of his quality.
Arsenal have been linked with Aurelien Tchouameni.
Earlier this month, Defensa Central claimed that the Gunners are ready to increase their initial offer from €80 million (£68.82 million) to €90 million (£77.42 million), including bonuses, for the French star.
Aurelien Tchouameni would transform Arsenal’s midfield
With the signing of Kai Havertz already confirmed and Declan Rice reportedly on his way to Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s midfield options look impressive.
If Los Blancos did decide to sell Tchouameni, who Carlo Ancelotti described as ‘important‘ to Madrid following a good end to the season, then it would be a shock.
However, if Arsenal had the funds to pursue a deal, then it’s a no-brainer.
A potential midfield two of Rice and Tchouameni is sure to whet the appetite of any Gunners fan, and with Martin Odegaard playing in the number 10 role and Havertz deployed up front, it looks exciting.
The future of Thomas Partey may well play a role in this move, with the midfielder angling for a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, and Arsenal needing funds if they were to push for the midfielder.
It may seem unlikely, but it also highlights a tantalising possibility for Arteta and Arsenal.