Real Madrid make decision over Aurelien Tchouameni exit
- Tchouameni linked with Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool
- The 23-year-old subject of enquiries but Real Madrid not interested in selling
- 14-time Champions League winners instead preparing to open new contract talks in 2024
Real Madrid have 'no intention' of allowing Aurelien Tchouameni to leave the club and consider him a key player for the long-term.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, with Mikel Arteta looking to boost his central midfield options in 2024, and Liverpool remain long-term admirers after losing out on Tchouameni's signature last year.
90min revealed in the summer that Liverpool had again asked Madrid about Tchouameni's availability ahead of their midfield overhaul, but were told that the Frenchman was not available under any circumstances.
Arsenal have also made contact with Madrid but were given the same message by officials in the Spanish capital.
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Madrid's firm stance on Tchouameni is because they regard him as a key component of their midfield moving forward, and that both club and player are very happy with how he's progressing.
It had been speculated that the arrival of Jude Bellingham could potentially impact Carlo Ancelotti's use of Tchouameni and teammate Eduardo Camavinga, but the Italian was quick to insist that would not be the case.
And Ancelotti's guarantee has come to pass so far, with a tactical shift allowing Bellingham, Tchouameni and Camavinga all to feature prominently in Madrid's starting 11.
Bellingham has made a sensational start at the club, scoring 13 goals in 13 games across all competitions, while Tchouameni has established himself as a regular starter in the heart of midfield. Camavinga has flitted between playing in midfield and at left-back - a role he's learned and flourished in over the past 12 months after initially filling in for the injured Ferland Mendy.
Well placed sources have told 90min that Madrid see the trio as centrepieces of the squad for many years to come, alongside Vinicius Junior, who has signed a new four-year contract to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu until at least 2027.
A new deal for Camavinga is close to being finalised and 90min understands that talks over a new deal for Tchouameni are pencilled in for next year.
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