Chelsea have been monitoring the movements of Monaco’s young midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni according to reports from ESPN.
The 20-year-old has been impressing in Ligue 1 this season and Chelsea would be keen to bring him in over the summer.
Tchouameni has only missed five games for Monaco since signing from Bordeaux a year ago. He has been a crucial cog in Niko Kovacic’s side this term as they try to recreate their title success of 2017.
His talents have not gone under the radar either. Diario Sport suggested that Real Madrid were weighing up a transfer for him last summer but instead turned their attentions to Eduardo Camavinga of Rennes.
He also has an impressive statistic that sets him apart in France. Of players under the age of 21, nobody has made more tackles, amassing 52 in total (WhoScored).
This is crucial data considering Tchouameni is deployed as a defensive pivot for Monaco. Chelsea may be looking at him as a long-term replacement for N’Golo Kante.
Which is highly interesting considering he once admitted that his two role models in football were Kante and Paul Pogba (Footissime via Get French Football News).
There has been limited activity where Chelsea are concerned in this window compared to the spree they went on at the start of 2020/21.
Fikayo Tomori is all set for six-month trial at AC Milan, Lucas Piazon has left the club permanently and Danny Drinkwater is now on loan at Kasimpasa.
In terms of bringing bodies into Stamford Bridge, Tchouameni would potentially join the likes of Erling Haaland, David Alaba, and Dayot Upamencano on Chelsea’s dream shopping list.
Chelsea’s immediate thoughts are on the position of Frank Lampard. The upcoming FA Cup tie against Luton Town could be a decisive moment in his managerial career.
Nonetheless, the Blues are still keeping track on the Frenchman for future reference.
The Chelsea Chronicle View
Chelsea really need to get their house in order before they can start adding extra furniture. The coaching situation comes first and then they can add new recruits.
Saying that, the idea of a Kante 2.0 is a very pleasing one. He’s been a brilliant servant at Stamford Bridge but his constant injuries plus his age are creeping up on him.
There isn’t currently a member of the squad who can match his defensive duties, so Tchouameni would make for an ideal replacement.