Real Madrid ‘make decision in the last few hours’ over £65m bid from Arsenal for midfielder

In a decisive move that could ripple through the rest of the transfer window, Real Madrid have reportedly made a final decision on Arsenal’s £65 million bid for French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni—and it’s the kind of statement only a club of Madrid’s stature can deliver. According to fresh reports from Spain, the verdict came down in the last few hours, and it’s one that effectively ends Arsenal’s ambitious chase for one of Europe’s most dominant young midfielders.

The Gunners had hoped to pair Tchouaméni with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in what could have been a dream midfield trio capable of competing with the very best in Europe. Mikel Arteta, backed heavily this summer by the Arsenal board, made the French international a top target as part of their final piece in rebuilding a world-class core. But Real Madrid, who rarely back down in protecting their assets, swiftly rejected the proposal—no hesitation, no negotiations.

Arsenal’s bid didn’t emerge from thin air. This was a well-planned move in a summer that’s already seen the North London side bring in key reinforcements. With Kepa Arrizabalaga providing depth in goal, and Martin Zubimendi arriving to bolster midfield options, the club had already laid down markers. Viktor Gyökeres’ addition up front and Noni Madueke on the flanks added further attacking flair. The Tchouaméni pursuit was the potential crown jewel of a transfer window that had fans dreaming.

What many thought could be a defining deal for Arsenal’s title hopes, however, has now been firmly shut down by the Madrid hierarchy. Club sources insist that the decision to keep Tchouaméni was made quickly and without hesitation. Despite having to accommodate marquee arrivals like Kylian Mbappé and Alphonso Davies, and some internal debate over balancing the squad, Real Madrid remained clear: Tchouaméni is untouchable.

The 24-year-old has had a somewhat stop-start spell under Carlo Ancelotti due to injuries and rotation, leading Arsenal to believe there could be room to negotiate. Their thinking was that Madrid might be tempted to cash in, especially after such heavy summer spending. But that gamble has backfired, and Real Madrid’s response was unequivocal. Not only was the bid rejected—it was dismissed as a non-starter.

Madrid’s leadership, led by Florentino Pérez, made it abundantly clear that Tchouaméni remains a cornerstone of their long-term project. Alongside Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde, the French midfielder is considered part of an emerging golden generation at the Santiago Bernabéu. Regardless of his current status as a rotation player, Madrid are betting on his future—and they’re not about to hand that over to a Champions League rival.

The rejection leaves Arsenal with tough questions to answer in the final stretch of the transfer window. Who can they turn to now? Alternatives like João Neves of Benfica have been mentioned, but he won’t come cheap. Domestic names have been floated too, yet none quite offer the same combination of physicality, defensive awareness, and age profile that Tchouaméni brings to the table. Replacing him on their shortlist won’t be easy.

Arsenal insiders had reportedly been confident. Sporting director Edu and manager Arteta had been laying the groundwork for months, trying to sell the club’s vision and the opportunity for Tchouaméni to be the midfield general in a young, exciting squad. They believed Madrid’s depth might push the player toward a new challenge. But they underestimated just how firm Madrid would be, even with such an enticing offer on the table.

This development is more than just a failed transfer attempt—it’s a brutal reminder of the gap that still exists between clubs like Arsenal and the elite of European football. Real Madrid’s ability to shut down even the most serious bids reinforces their reputation as the guardians of Europe’s top talent. They don’t just resist offers; they make sure everyone knows who’s in charge.

Yet this setback does not spell doom for Arsenal. The project under Arteta is still strong, and the club has made strides with smart signings and a defined playing style. The vision remains intact. What’s more, Arsenal now know what level they’re operating at—the very top. Competing for players like Tchouaméni is a signal of ambition, and it’s only a matter of time before that ambition pays off.

As the summer window winds down, Arsenal will need to pivot quickly. Whether they go back into the market or place renewed faith in Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, or even an academy breakthrough remains to be seen. What’s certain, though, is that they’ll keep pushing to bridge the gap with Europe’s elite—even if Real Madrid just showed how far that gap still is.

Ultimately, Madrid’s decision wasn’t just about a player—it was about legacy, power, and status. They didn’t need to negotiate or justify. They simply said no. And that, in the brutal world of top-level football, can be as powerful as any signing.