‘I want to clarify’: Fabrizio Romano shares update on £85m Arsenal and Liverpool target

Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni next summer.

Both Premier League clubs will be planning ahead after this summer’s transfer window slammed shut.

Arsenal were able to strengthen their midfield with the £27m signing of Mikel Merino, while Liverpool missed out on his Real Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi.

But with the Gunners preparing to sell Thomas Partey either in January or next summer, they could also be back in the market for a new midfielder next summer.

It was reported last year that Arsenal had made Aurelien Tchouameni their number one target for 2024, but they instead added Merino to their ranks.

Fabrizio Romano has now shared an update on whether Liverpool or Arsenal could reignite interest in Aurelien Tchouameni next year.

Arsenal and Liverpool interest in Aurelien Tchouameni

Since joining Real Madrid for £85million in 2022, Tchouameni has cemented his position as one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents.

At the age of 24, he has already played a key part in Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga success, while also lifting the Club World Cup, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

However, Romano cast doubt on Tchouameni making the switch to the Premier League next summer.

Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Romano said: “We saw these rumours in England and we keep receiving many questions on Tchouameni because the summer transfer window just closed. Many people raised rumours about Liverpool, Arsenal, Tchouameni in 2025.

“I wanted to clarify something for 2024, 2025, 2026, whenever. The intention of Aurelien Tchouameni is to stay in Real Madrid.

“The intention of Real Madrid is to keep Aurelien Tchouameni as a crucial player for that project. For present and future. They are in love with Tchouameni; with the player, with the professional.

“How he acted in the centre-back position was something really appreciated by the technical staff at Real Madrid. So it’s absolutely not even considered for Real Madrid to sell Aurelien Tchouameni. The situation is perfect between the club and player.

“I can guarantee at the moment, despite all the rumours, we know how many clubs can appreciate a top player like Tchouameni. But in terms of concrete possibilities for him to leave Madrid – at the moment, zero.”

Arsenal and Liverpool midfield targets

With Tchouameni clearly ruling out a move to England, Arsenal and Liverpool will need other midfield targets if they plan on strengthening that position next summer.

READ MORE: Declan Rice makes ‘honest’ admission on his fitness at Arsenal this season after scoring for England

Liverpool could return for Zubimendi next summer despite their deal collapsing last month, while Arsenal may need a long-term replacement for Partey as he enters the final year of his contract.

Manu Kone was another option considered by Liverpool, but he has since joined Roma on loan with an obligation to buy.