Chelsea reportedly have been given a free run to sign highly-rated AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The French midfielder, 21, has caught the attention of several top European clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United, following a series of top displays for AS Monaco. And he has continued his sterling form this Ligue 1 season as a midfield general in the heart of Philippe Clement’s side, who appear to be at risk of missing out on European football next term.
According to Football London, Chelsea have been boosted in their pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni with Manchester United and Liverpool’s interest apparently cooling down in recent weeks. The France international, who was named Ligue 1 young player of the year for 2020-21, is viewed as N’Golo Kante’s replacement at Stamford Bridge, the report adds.
Rated as one of French football’s hottest midfield prospects, Tchouameni has continued performing consistently this term and recently produced a dominant display in Monaco’s 4-0 win against Clermont Foot. He is destined for a bright future, with Chelsea already looking at the 21-year-old to bolster their midfield options in the summer.
Aurelien Tchouameni to Chelsea—A long-term N’Golo Kante replacement?
The Pensioners signed Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid with a buy option in the past summer transfer window, but the move hasn’t worked out well. The Spaniard, 27, has struggled to get to grips with the travails of English football, managing just five league appearances to date.
With Saul’s loan move unlikely to be turned into a permanent deal, Ross Barkley probably heading for the exit door at the end of the campaign and the likes of N’Golo Kante becoming injury-prone of late, Chelsea need midfield reinforcements that go beyond Jorginho, Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
In that regard, Aurelien Tchouameni would be perfect for the west London outfit. A combative midfielder, Tchouameni mixes his defensive attributes with attacking qualities to great effect and provides energy, intensity, power and physicality for his team.
The France international can do it all—break play, recycle possession, win aerial duels, create chances and score goals, making him such a coveted young talent across entire Europe. The 21-year-old is a diligent and tenacious player who likes to win back possession for his side and drive them up the field in the blink of an eye.
Aurelien Tchouameni has shown his quality in his time at AS Monaco and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him snapped up by one of the Premier League bigwigs. At Chelsea, the youngster would get an excellent platform to develop and hone his skills under a tactically astute manager in Thomas Tuchel. If a move to Chelsea goes through, he will have the potential to add more to Tuchel’s side than just replace Kante or Jorginho.
Without any second thoughts, the Blues must prioritise securing Tchouameni’s signature in the summer.