Real Madrid have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni after missing out on a deal for Kylian Mbappe.
Los Blancos were widely expected to sign Mbappe on a free transfer this summer, but the France international spectacularly announced on Saturday that he has penned a new deal in Paris until 2025.
Real Madrid had allegedly been certain that they would be signing the World Cup winner ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, prioritising the 23-year-old over Erling Braut Haaland, who has now agreed to join Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund.
Carlo Ancelotti's side will now be forced to look elsewhere to boost their attack for next season, but according to Marca, a new central midfielder is also a priority for the club.
The report claims that Los Blancos are now planning to accelerate their pursuit of Tchouameni, as they fear also missing out on the Frenchman this summer.
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The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 campaign for Monaco, scoring five goals and registering three assists in 50 appearances in all competitions.
In Ligue 1, he provided three goals and two assists in 35 appearances, as the principality outfit finished third, which has seen them book a spot in next season's Champions League third qualifying round.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been heavily linked with the midfielder, who only has little over two years left to run on his current deal.
However, Tchouameni recently insisted that he was not in a rush to leave Monaco despite the widespread speculation surrounding his future.
"I have a contract until 2024, with an option until 2025. We will see what the future holds for me," the midfielder recently told reporters. "A lot of things can happen in the transfer window. There is my case and that of the other players, some of whom are at the end of their contracts and have other desires elsewhere.
"Why not stay in the Champions League? Being eliminated by Shakhtar Donetsk in the preliminary round this season stuck in my throat. Playing in the Champions League with Monaco is not something that would displease me."
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Journalist Ekrem Konur recently claimed that Monaco want a fee of between €55m (£46.7m) and €60m (£50.9m) for Tchouameni this summer.
Since arriving at Stade Louis II from Bordeaux in January 2020, the midfielder has made 95 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, contributing eight goals and seven assists in the process.
Luka Modic is set to sign a new one-year deal at Real Madrid, while Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are all again expected to be at the club next season.
However, there will be midfield departures this summer, with Isco preparing to leave on a free transfer, while Dani Ceballos's future is also the subject of debate.
Real Madrid completed their La Liga season with a goalless draw against Real Betis on Friday evening and are now preparing for the Champions League final against Liverpool next weekend.
Matt Law
