Real Madrid are ready to sell midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni to help fund an ambitious move for new Ballon d’Or winner Manchester City midfielder Rodri, Goal.com reported on Thursday.

Although he has been a regular starter since his arrival, Tchouameni has not convinced the club that he is worth keeping. The team is therefore looking to sell the 24-year-old Frenchman to free up financial space.

Tchouameni arrived at Real Madrid from AS Monaco in the summer of 2022 for a fee of up to $107 million.

The report suggests that Real Madrid could surprisingly turn their attention towards the recruitment of Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Tchouameni has been tasked with replacing Toni Kroos, who is retiring, but the Frenchman has failed to live up to the team’s expectations – and that’s where Rodri could come into play.

The Spaniard has a similar tempo-control style of play that Real Madrid seem to be lacking this season. The Manchester City midfielder has averaged a staggering 121.1 touches per game with a passing accuracy of 92% during the 2023-24 Premier League season, figures comparable to those of Kroos.

Rodri is also a master when it comes to breaking down the opposition’s attack on a counter-attack, as well as when the opposition applies constant pressure, something that manager Carlo Ancelotti’s team has struggled with this season.

It’s not yet clear where Tchouameni would end up if he were sold. Liverpool showed keen interest in the midfielder in 2022 before signing with Real Madrid, so perhaps the Premier League side would reignite their interest in the Frenchman.

Rodri has a current transfer value of around $140 million. For Real Madrid to pay that fee, it would likely aim to recoup almost all of the $107 million paid for Tchouameni. For the Frenchman to keep his place in the team, he must play better.

Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Valencia this weekend has been postponed. The next match is not until Tuesday at home to AC Milan in the Champions League, a match which will be a major test for Ancelotti’s struggling side.