Ferdinand urges Tchouameni to choose Man United over Real Madrid exit rivals

Rio Ferdinand has made a direct public appeal to Aurélien Tchouameni to join Manchester United, declaring there is “only one club” for the Real Madrid midfielder if he decides to leave the Bernabéu this summer.

Speaking on his Rio Presents show, the former United and England defender said: “If Tchouameni has half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man United have to be the first team at their door knocking and make sure he can’t even talk to anybody else. Get him signed, sealed, delivered.”

Ferdinand went further, suggesting he has already been in contact with the France international: “I know we’ve had a few conversations in private but man, I know you watch the show, I’m looking down the lens right now at you. Behind these shades, there is only one club for you. If you are looking to leave Real Madrid, Man United are the club. If you want to make it happen, make the call.”

Co-host Joel Beya attempted to divert Tchouameni toward Arsenal, prompting Ferdinand to shoot back: “You don’t want to go to Arsenal, you don’t need them.”

The transfer picture has been given added complexity by Madrid’s reported interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. According to The Athletic, that pursuit could create an opening for United to move for Tchouameni, though his current wages of £210,000 a week in Spain represent a potential obstacle.

Reports from SportItalia indicate that Madrid are willing to let the 26-year-old leave, although Tchouameni himself is said to be keen on staying at the club. Transfermarkt values the Champions League winner at approximately £60m, a figure that could rise significantly once a formal bid is lodged.

Tchouameni is not the only central midfielder on United’s radar this summer. Mateus Fernandes has re-emerged as a target, with the player expected to leave West Ham. More concretely, Atalanta’s Ederson appears close to completing a move to Old Trafford after declaring the deal “almost all sorted.” United agreed terms earlier this month to sign the Brazilian for an initial £35m, with a further £3.8m in performance-related bonuses.

Should Tchouameni make the switch, he would follow a well-worn path from the Bernabéu to Manchester. Former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro joined United and went on to win two domestic trophies during his time at the club.