Real Madrid transfer update: An £85 million-rated midfielder is now being included as part of a swap deal in Real Madrid’s pursuit of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez. This potential part-exchange arrangement suggests Real Madrid’s strong interest in bringing Fernandez into their squad.

Aurelien Tchouameni joined Real Madrid from Monaco for approximately £85 million in the summer of 2022. Since then, he’s made 102 appearances across all competitions. Although the 24-year-old faced some minor injuries last season, he still managed 38 games under manager Carlo Ancelotti, contributing to Real Madrid’s successes in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana.

This season, Tchouameni has started in 13 of Madrid’s 15 matches, mainly playing as a defensive midfielder, occasionally filling in at central defense. However, despite his regular appearances, reports from Spanish outlet Relevo suggest that Real Madrid is open to selling Tchouameni due to a perceived dip in his form, leading him to fall out of favor with the club’s hierarchy. While Ancelotti still values him as the primary option for the midfield pivot, the board reportedly prefers Eduardo Camavinga and is now open to sanctioning Tchouameni’s transfer, who was once seen as indispensable.

According to a separate report from Fichajes, Real Madrid could consider using Tchouameni as part of a deal to secure Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez. Real Madrid is prepared to offer around €100 million (£84.4 million) for Fernandez, potentially incorporating Tchouameni in a part-exchange to meet the valuation.

If Tchouameni were put up for sale, it might attract Premier League interest from clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool, both of whom have previously been linked to the midfielder. Chelsea, who were reportedly interested in Tchouameni before his move to Madrid, may also re-evaluate their position.

Chelsea is not actively looking to offload Fernandez, who has made 74 appearances and contributed seven goals and six assists since his £107 million transfer from Benfica in January 2023. However, Fichajes hints that the 23-year-old Argentine might consider a “change of scenery” due to limited playing time under manager Enzo Maresca and perceived stagnation in Chelsea’s project.

Alongside Fernandez, Real Madrid is also monitoring Manchester City’s Rodri as a potential target should Tchouameni depart.