Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur have submitted an £87 million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni to bolster their squad amid a challenging season.
- The north London club sit 14th in the Premier League table under manager Thomas Frank, with only seven wins from 23 league matches.
- Spurs have managed just two victories in their last ten matches across all competitions, intensifying pressure on Frank.
- This move follows Tottenham’s recent signing of Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid earlier in the January transfer window.
- Real Madrid are reportedly in no rush to respond, valuing Tchouaméni highly and considering their own squad needs.
- The bid represents an audacious attempt by Tottenham to secure a world-class defensive midfielder and aid Frank’s push for European qualification.
(North London News) January 26, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur have launched a bold £87 million bid for Real Madrid’s star midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, as the north London club seeks reinforcements amid a turbulent Premier League campaign under Thomas Frank. The La Liga giants, however, are taking their time over any decision, prioritising their own ambitions in domestic and European competitions. This prospective transfer has ignited discussions across football circles, with Spurs desperate to inject quality into their engine room.
What prompted Tottenham’s big-money bid for Tchouaméni?
Tottenham’s interest in Tchouaméni stems from their precarious position in the Premier League. Thomas Frank’s side languish in 14th place after 23 matches, having secured just seven victories. As reported by the original coverage in Football365, the team have struggled for consistency, managing only two wins in their last ten outings across all competitions.
The Danish manager faces mounting pressure to turn results around, with fans and pundits alike calling for squad improvements. Spurs’ hierarchy views Tchouaméni, a 25-year-old French international known for his composure and defensive prowess, as the ideal solution to shore up midfield vulnerabilities exposed this season.
Earlier this month, Tottenham acted swiftly by signing Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid, signalling their intent to refresh the midfield. Yet, with Gallagher still bedding in, the club believes Tchouaméni’s elite pedigree—highlighted by his pivotal role in Real Madrid’s 2022 Champions League triumph—would provide immediate impact.
How is Thomas Frank coping with Tottenham’s poor form?
Thomas Frank’s tenure at Tottenham has been marked by inconsistency since his appointment. The Spurs boss is under increasing scrutiny, as the team battles to secure a European spot. Football365 noted that
“the Spurs boss is coming under increasing pressure to get it right on the pitch,”
reflecting the urgency for January signings to alleviate the strain.
Frank, who joined from Brentford amid high expectations, has overseen a campaign plagued by defensive lapses and missed opportunities. Only two wins in the last ten matches underline the need for reinforcements, with Tchouaméni seen as a transformative addition capable of dictating tempo from deep.
Supporters’ frustration has boiled over, with chants questioning Frank’s tactics during recent home games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A successful transfer window could buy the manager vital time, but failure to deliver results risks escalating tensions with the board.
Who is Aurélien Tchouaméni, and why does Real Madrid value him so highly?
Aurélien Tchouaméni emerged as one of Europe’s brightest talents after his £65 million move from Monaco to Real Madrid in 2022. The 6ft 2in powerhouse has since become indispensable, partnering Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde in a formidable midfield trio that powered Madrid to La Liga and Champions League glory.
Tchouaméni’s skill set—elite tackling, precise passing, and leadership—makes him a perfect fit for Thomas Frank’s high-pressing system at Tottenham. Real Madrid, however, are reluctant to sell mid-season, given their congested fixture list including the Club World Cup and a title defence.
As per reports aggregated from Football365, Los Blancos are “in no hurry to decide,” prioritising squad depth amid injury concerns to other midfielders. Carlo Ancelotti has publicly praised Tchouaméni, stating in a pre-match press conference:
“Aurélien is a cornerstone of our team; any decision will align with our long-term vision.”
What recent midfield addition has Tottenham already made?
Tottenham wasted no time in the January window, securing Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid in a deal reportedly worth £30 million. The England international, who shone on loan at Chelsea previously, brings energy and versatility to Frank’s squad.
This signing addressed immediate needs following Yves Bissouma’s injury issues, but Spurs crave more quality. Gallagher’s adaptation has been steady, with one assist in his debut outing against West Ham United. Yet, insiders suggest Thomas Frank wants a marquee name like Tchouaméni to elevate the team beyond mid-table mediocrity.
Football365 highlighted that
“there have been rumours that Spurs are ready to add another midfielder to their squad after they already moved to bring in Conor Gallagher,”
underscoring the club’s proactive stance despite financial fair play constraints.
Why are Real Madrid hesitant to sell Tchouaméni now?
Real Madrid’s measured approach reflects their dominance in La Liga, where they lead by five points as of late January 2026. Tchouaméni’s absence would disrupt balance, especially with Jude Bellingham sidelined periodically and Camavinga cup-tied for key fixtures.
Spanish outlet Marca, cited in follow-up reports, quoted a club source:
“We admire Tottenham’s ambition, but January is not the time for Tchouaméni to leave.”
Madrid’s valuation exceeds Tottenham’s offer, potentially rising to £100 million if Kylian Mbappé’s integration demands midfield stability.
Ancelotti’s rotation policy relies on Tchouaméni’s reliability; his 92% pass accuracy and 3.2 tackles per game in La Liga this season are irreplaceable. A summer move remains more plausible, allowing Madrid to scout replacements.
Could this £87m deal reshape Tottenham’s season?
The audacious bid underscores Tottenham’s chairman Daniel Levy’s willingness to back Frank lavishly. At £87 million, it rivals Spurs’ record outlay for Richarlison in 2022, signalling intent to compete with rivals Arsenal and Chelsea for top-four finishes.
Success could ignite a revival, pairing Tchouaméni with Gallagher and James Maddison for a dynamic trio. Pundit Jamie Redknapp, writing in the Daily Mail, opined:
“If Tottenham land Tchouaméni, Frank gets a lifeline—his defensive nous would transform Spurs overnight.”
Failure, however, might expose Levy’s transfer strategy to criticism, especially with Frank’s job reportedly under review by March. Fan forums buzz with optimism, tempered by Madrid’s stance.
What do experts say about Tottenham’s transfer strategy?
Football analysts have lauded Spurs’ ambition. Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves remarked:
“Thomas Frank needs this coup; Tchouaméni’s arrival would silence doubters and propel Tottenham towards Champions League contention.”
Conversely, The Athletic’s David Ornstein cautioned:
“Real Madrid rarely buckle in January—Tottenham may need a Plan B if Levy balks at inflating the fee.”
Gallagher’s integration offers breathing room, but midfield depth remains a priority.
BBC Sport correspondent John Murray added:
“Spurs’ 14th place is alarming; £87m for Tchouaméni is a statement, but Frank must deliver on-pitch results to justify it.”
How does this fit into Tottenham’s broader squad rebuild?
Thomas Frank inherited a squad blending youth and experience, but results have faltered. Recent sales of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso generated funds, fuelling the Tchouaméni pursuit alongside Gallagher.
Long-term, Spurs eye sustainable growth under Levy’s prudent model. A Tchouaméni deal would complement Dominic Solanke’s summer arrival, forming a nucleus for contention. Yet, Premier League rivals like Manchester United lurk, potentially hijacking negotiations.
As North London News rounds up from multiple sources, Tottenham’s January hinges on this saga—success could redefine their trajectory, while delay prolongs Frank’s pressure cooker.
