Liverpool are among a host of clubs interested in signing AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman, 22, is one of the highly-rated young midfielders in Europe, and his performances over the last 12-15 months for AS Monaco have not gone unnoticed. He is linked to some of Europe’s bigwigs, including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and more.
According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni as they search for new talent with the duo of Jordan Henderson and James Milner not getting any younger.
Tchouameni has enjoyed another impressive season with Monaco, racking up a goal and an assist in 27 games in Ligue 1 along with a string of defensively astute and commanding displays in midfield. Despite Monaco not enjoying the best of Ligue 1 campaigns, he has stood out and is already a part of Didier Deschamps’ plans for the 2022 World Cup.
The 22-year-old was a part of the French side that won the UEFA Nations League last year by beating Spain in the finals. Tchouameni’s little glimpses with the national team and performances in Ligue 1 underline why so many European clubs are excited about the young midfielder’s potential.
However, Monaco are in no mood to lose Tchouameni cheap in the summer and have slapped a minimum asking price of £42m on his head, the report adds.
Aurelien Tchouameni to Liverpool—Is he worth that price?
Liverpool were understood to be in the market for a new midfielder after Georginio Wijnaldum’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain last summer. Wijnaldum’s departure left a massive void in their midfield department, and while the Reds haven’t really missed his services, Jurgen Klopp will be determined to fill the gap by splashing the cash in the summer transfer window.
Plus, with both Jordan Henderson and James Milner in their 30s, Thiago Alcantara injury prone and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain facing an uncertain future following a lack of game time this season, Liverpool must prioritise signing a central midfielder. As such, the Merseysiders have set their sights on Aurelien Tchouameni, who is making waves in Ligue 1.
A central midfielder by trade, Tchouameni is a versatile footballer who can operate in several positions across the pitch. Some might be tempted to categorize the France international as a defensive midfielder due to his tackling and ball-winning traits, but this doesn’t paint the whole picture of what he brings to the table with the ball at his feet going forward. The youngster is an excellent progressor of the ball and even provides a goal threat.
Technically sound and physically robust, Tchouameni has the qualities needed to thrive in the fast-paced nature of Premier League football. The ex-Bordeaux man would walk into Klopp’s starting XI and take Liverpool’s midfield to another level. He has the aggression and tenacity to go with his technical skills which make him a perfect fit in Klopp’s style of football at Anfield.
With Monaco rumoured to have set a minimum asking price of £42m for his services, Liverpool must not think twice before signing Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer transfer window.