Transfer rumors, news: Man United eye Real Madrid star as Casemiro replacement

Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is on the shortlist of Manchester United, while Arsenal could move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

– Manchester United have added Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni to their shortlist of potential options to replace Casemiro this summer, according to The Telegraph. Tchouameni, 26, could be allowed to leave the Bernabeu this summer alongside Eduardo Camavinga, with the club looking to seal a midfield signing of their own in the form of Manchester City‘s Rodri. But the France international has a contract until 2028 and could command a fee upwards of €60 million.

– Arsenal are ramping up their interest in Nico Williams, as the winger looks to make a return to action for Athletic Club following a lengthy absence due to a groin injury. TEAMtalk claims that the Spain international has admirers at the Emirates, including sporting director Andrea Berta. Barcelona continue to be linked with Williams, but their priorities lie elsewhere in the squad, potentially opening an opportunity for the Gunners to move first.

– Liverpool chiefs have approved the signing of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as the top option to replace Mohamed Salah when he departs on a free transfer this summer, reports Florian Plettenberg. Diomande, 19, has only been playing at the top level since November 2024. but has impressed in the German Bundesliga and continues to be linked with a switch to Anfield. PSG are also in the race to sign him, while Leipzig are looking for a fee of around €80 million.

– Newcastle United are open to letting winger Anthony Gordon leave this summer, but only if a club are willing to match their £75 million transfer valuation, reports The Times. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have been heavily linked with the England international recently, with Gordon also attracting interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

– John Stones is set to become the next high-profile exit from Manchester City when his contract comes to an end this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 31-year-old defender has spent 10 years with the club since joining from Everton in 2016, but is set to join midfielder Bernardo Silva in becoming a free agent at the end of the season. Stones has made just 15 appearances across all competitions during this campaign, having struggled with injury issues.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s Madrid correspondent Alex Kirkland on the future for Aurelien Tchouaméni.

The idea of Real Madrid letting Tchouaméni go, after a season in which he has become arguably the team’s most important and consistent player, strikes me as quite far fetched.

Yes, Tchouaméni struggled to find consistency early in his Madrid career — ironically, finding it difficult to replace Casemiro when he left in 2022 — and was even whistled by fans at the Bernabéu just over a year ago, He has been singled out for criticism after some poor performances in high-profile games, and a perceived inability to deliver on the ball. But in 2025-26 he has been sensational, both under Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.

Tchouaméni has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign and has consolidated his place as a certain starter in the team. He’s made 28 appearances in LaLiga, and 13 in the Champions League.

Camavinga may well be available for transfer this summer, having failed to develop in his five years at the Bernabéu and frustrating in key moments, but Tchouaméni is a different story. If Rodri were to arrive — which is by no means certain — he would likely be to play alongside Tchouaméni, or alternate with him, rather than replace him.

It would be difficult to understand letting Tchouaméni go, just when he looks like becoming the player Madrid fans long hoped he would be.

OTHER RUMORS

– Striker Nicolas Jackson is warming to the idea of returning to Chelsea, as a permanent move to Bayern Munich after his loan spell ends appears unlikely. (Sun)

– Ajax and Schalke are in the race to sign Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice as a free agent this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Barcelona want to extend Robert Lewandowski‘s contract until 2027, on reduced wages, while Chicago Fire and Saudi Pro League clubs await an opening to make a move. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Defender Ibrahima Konate is on the verge of extending his contract with Liverpool. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister could be allowed to leave this summer as part of a major squad overhaul. (Football Insider)

– Liverpool have had positive negotiations with midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai over a new contract, but work still needs to be done to secure a full agreement over a renewal. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Real Madrid are interested in AZ midfielder Kees Smit, 20, as an option, with his contract expiring in 2028. (AS)

– Barcelona are looking at Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli and Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup as alternatives to Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford in the forward areas. (AS)