Real Madrid are reportedly giving serious consideration to allowing Aurelien Tchouameni to leave the club this summer.
The France international made the move to Los Blancos from Monaco in July 2022, and he has represented his current side on 112 occasions in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering five assists in the process.
The 24-year-old has been a vital player this term, making 23 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side, but he has again been asked to play as a centre-back on a number of occasions due to Eder Militao's long-term knee problem.
David Alaba is now on the verge of returning to action, but the Austria international has not played since December 2023 due to a serious knee injury of his own, and it remains to be seen how long it takes him to return to full fitness.
Tchouameni could therefore continue in the middle of the defence in the coming weeks, but he struggled in that position against Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup last weekend, being replaced in the 64th minute of what was a 5-2 loss for Los Blancos.
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Real Madrid 'open to Tchouameni sale'
Ancelotti defended Tchouameni when asked about the Frenchman ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey last-16 clash with Celta Vigo.
"I still believe he's done a fantastic job at centre-back. The data backs me up on that. But I am aware his ideal role is at CDM. As soon as we're not in dire straits at the back, once we get Alaba back, he'll return to his favoured position," said the Real Madrid head coach.
However, according to Relevo, Real Madrid have been largely disappointed with the midfielder's performances since arriving from Monaco, and there is a chance that he could be moved on during this summer's transfer window.
The report claims that Ancelotti is Tchouameni's biggest supporter at Bernabeu, but there are a number of senior figures at the club who have already been discussing a potential departure at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
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Could Tchouameni move to the Premier League?
Tchouameni's performances for Monaco placed him on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, with Liverpool believed to have provided the strongest competition for Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.
Liverpool are still believed to be keen on the midfielder, with the Reds potentially reigniting their interest this summer, while Arsenal and Manchester City have also been heavily linked with his services.
Arsenal, though, are believed to be nearing an agreement with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, so the Gunners are unlikely to be in the race for the Frenchman's signature at the end of the campaign.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be admirers, so there could be a scramble for his services this summer if it becomes clear that Real Madrid are willing to let the defensive midfielder move on.