Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool get answer in chase for Real Madrid star

Liverpool were heavily linked with defensive midfield reinforcements this summer and could now be preparing a move for a target they missed out on a few years ago.

Despite Ryan Gravenberch’s impressive start to the season, Liverpool continue to be linked with signings for the holding midfield role.

The club very publicly missed out on top target Martin Zubimendi when he decided to remain at boyhood club Real Sociedad, and they have almost been unable to sign a number of other targets in that role over the past year or so.

Now Liverpool are being linked once again to Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, who they initially missed out on when he moved from AS Monaco to Spain in 2022.

READ MORE: John Barnes reveals why Liverpool haven't suffered Ferguson misery

Liverpool’s Tchouameni interest

Speaking on The Here We Go Podcast, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Tchouameni in the summer of 2025.

The renowned transfer guru immediately put the breaks on this transfer deal though, revealing that Real Madrid and their boss Carlo Ancelotti have no intention of letting the 24-year-old leave the club.

“The intention of Real Madrid is to keep Aurelien Tchouameni as a crucial player for their project for present and future. They are in love with Tchouameni, with the player, with the professional and how he adapted also at the centre back position was something really appreciated by the technical staff at Real Madrid.”

It is no surprise that Real Madrid want to keep one of their key players at the club, Tchouameni played almost every game he was available for last season, and if the midfielder were to move it would likely take a monster transfer fee to get his signature.

Do Liverpool even need Tchouameni?

Although Tchouameni’s quality is clear to see, the apparent blow delivered by Romano might not be as bad as it seems.

Gravenberch has looked very comfortable in his new role under Arne Slot and will hopefully develop even more this season.

Liverpool also have the highly touted Stefan Bajcetic out on loan under former assistant manager Pep Lijnders at Red Bull Salzburg and he could play an important role in the Liverpool first team upon his return.

The next summer transfer window is a long way away and much could still happen over the course of this season, but if things stay as they currently stand, Liverpool completing the signing of Tchouameni looks unlikely.