The one position Real Madrid see to be in need of reinforcement but have not strengthened this summer is the defensive midfield, a department where they have been linked with Angelo Stiller, Rodri, Martin Zubimendi and others.

Manager Xabi Alonso sees the pivot position to be one where the squad lacks a natural ball player and a controlling presence. As it stands, Aurelien Tchouameni is the only natural profile in the position and is thus expected to have a big role in the new season.

Real Madrid’s tactics in the FIFA Club World Cup spoke volumes about the importance of the defensive midfield position in Alonso’s plans as Tchouameni served as the focal point in the buildup and effectively a third centre-back.

As relayed in a recent report by Fichajes, Alonso and Real Madrid see Tchouameni to be untransferable for any price in the current transfer market and will not sanction his departure at any cost.

Tchouameni will not be sold. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The manager sees the player to be a vital part of his plans and thus does not contemplate a sale in any capacity despite interest arriving from the Premier League – possibly from Arsenal.

The report further reports that the offer from England reportedly included a transfer fee of €75 million – a sum that is significant in the current market dynamics.

Even that sum, however, was not enough to make the club consider a sale as Real Madrid do not wish to part ways with him this summer.

Tchouameni, for his part, is happy at the club and is eager to continue his relationship with Real Madrid for the years to come. He wishes to compete only at the highest level, something he believes he can only do at the best club in the world.