Chelsea see off major threat in race for target – but one rival bid expected
Chelsea have outlasted one of their rivals for the signature of Aurelien Tchouameni, according to an update – but are not the last suitors standing.
Tchouameni is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Europe at present. He impressed for Monaco throughout last season and remains a top prospect judging by this year’s form. He has played 12 Ligue 1 games as a starter and two as a substitute so far in 2021-22.
His potential has long seen him linked with a transfer away from Monaco. Chelsea are serious suitors for his signature.
The Blues are looking to evolve their midfield in 2022. They signed Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid on deadline day in the summer, but it is already almost certain that they won’t use their option to buy.
With that in mind, they are already exploring alternatives to compete with the likes of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic for the future.
Tchouameni is near the top of the agenda and could be the ideal signing for the long-term. But several other clubs are having similar ideas.
For example, Juventus are also in a phase of transition in their midfield and have been keeping a close eye on the Frenchman.
They signed Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo in the summer but are still looking to make further changes to that department of their squad. For example, Aaron Ramsey has flopped in Italy and they are trying to replace him.
Tchouameni has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus to help the process. However, Calciomercato have now revealed that Juventus are getting further away from signing him.
Juventus cool Tchouameni interest
The report claims Tchouameni is too expensive for Juve, who were hoping to take him on loan like they have done with Locatelli. Monaco were not willing to negotiate on such terms.
With his price tag too high and Juve focusing on the signing of €80m Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, they cannot spread the budget simply enough to afford both.
Vlahovic is their priority, so although Calciomercato do not think it is impossible, they admit it is now extremely unlikely that Tchouameni will end up in Turin.
That leaves Chelsea in a strong position to secure the 21-year-old’s signature. However, the report adds Real Madrid are also major contenders.
Monaco want to earn as much money from selling the former Bordeaux man as they can. They feel Real or Chelsea are most likely to engage in a bidding war that suits them.
The Ligue 1 outfit still have him under contract until 2024. But it is clear he could be on the move much sooner.
Chelsea now have a clearer run at his signature, but must fend off a major force in Real to cross the finishing line.
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