Manchester United and Chelsea have made approaches to sign Eduardo Camavinga after Real Madrid set a £52 million (€60 million) asking price for the French midfielder. The 23-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who is reshaping the squad following his return to the club.
Mourinho's midfield overhaul
Mourinho is keen to bring in multiple midfield players this season, most notably Bernardo Silva – who has already joined from Manchester City – and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez. To make room for these incoming signings, the Portuguese manager must move on some unwanted players, and Camavinga is considered expendable. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Real Madrid have put Camavinga up for sale this summer in agreement with Mourinho.
Camavinga was once a key player for Real Madrid but his influence has declined over the past two seasons. He is contracted to the club until 2029 with a €1 billion release clause, but Madrid are now willing to sell for a fraction of that price. The Spanish giants are aware of interest from Paris Saint-Germain, who missed out on Camavinga in 2021 when he left Rennes. However, Premier League clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool have also made contact to discuss deals.
Player's desire to stay
Despite the club's willingness to sell, Camavinga is said to be desperate to remain at the Bernabeu and believes he can revive his career under Mourinho. The midfielder is trying to take positives from his omission from France's World Cup squad, privately thinking it will give him the opportunity to win over Mourinho in pre-season. He hopes to add to his 223 appearances for Real Madrid, but Mourinho does not appear willing to change his mind.
Madrid have slapped a €60 million asking price on Camavinga and hope to spark a bidding war for the unwanted star. However, they are also aware that a summer deal is by no means guaranteed given the player's determination to stay.
Interest from Manchester United and Chelsea
Manchester United have expressed interest in Camavinga as they search for further midfield reinforcements for new permanent boss Michael Carrick. Brazil's Ederson will become the first signing of the Carrick era in a £35 million deal from Atalanta, but at least one more midfielder is expected to arrive at Old Trafford. Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, and Carlos Baleba are all of interest to the Red Devils, but they are also considering a move for Camavinga.
Chelsea are also looking at midfield targets for incoming boss Xabi Alonso, who worked with Camavinga during his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid. Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf commented: 'I think Eduardo Camavinga would be fantastic at Chelsea. What he did for Real Madrid was absolutely exceptional because at the time that he came, you had Casemiro, you had Toni Kroos, and it was hard to play. Camavinga did very well and won so many titles that he has the experience and he's a great young guy working hard. Camavinga and Moises Caicedo would be a fantastic pairing.'
