Aurelien Tchouameni has been a long-term target for Manchester United and Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the potential transfer
Rio Ferdinand has urged Aurelien Tchouameni to make Manchester United his next destination, insisting there is "only one club" for the Real Madrid midfielder. The French star has long been on the radar of Michael Carrick's side, with a separate transfer development potentially opening the door for a deal.
Madrid's reported interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandes could work in United's favour, with The Athletic suggesting it may create an opportunity for them to land Tchouameni's signature. However, the France international's hefty £210,000-a-week wages in Spain could prove a significant stumbling block.
Despite this, Ferdinand is insistent that United must not allow the midfielder to slip from their grasp should he become available. Speaking on Rio Presents, the former 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. Tchouameni? 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 man.
"If you are looking to leave Real Madrid, we are the club , Man United are the club. If you want to make it happen, make the call, that's what I'd do."
Co-host Joel Beya cheekily added: "If not, you can always come to Arsenal. Just asking," to which Ferdinand replied: "You don't want to go to Arsenal, you don't need them. He don't want to go to you lot."
Reports from SportItalia suggest that Madrid are willing to allow the 26 year old to depart, though he is determined to remain with the La Liga heavyweights. Tchouameni could follow the path of former team-mate Casemiro, who signed for United and proceeded to claim two domestic trophies during his spell.
However, Tchouameni isn't the sole midfielder United are monitoring this summer. Mateus Fernandes has surfaced as a target once more for the club, with the player appearing set to exit West Ham this summer.
Atalanta's Ederson virtually confirmed his switch to Old Trafford was finalised after declaring that it is "almost all sorted."
United reached an agreement earlier this month to bring in the midfielder for an initial £35million plus £3.8m in performance-related bonuses.
Tchouameni is estimated at approximately £60m by Transfermarkt, but this valuation could increase substantially should United submit a formal bid for the Champions League winner.