Chelsea and Arsenal have been dealt a potential blow in their reported pursuit of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, if recent reports are to be believed. They claim that the Frenchman has agreed terms with both Liverpool and Real Madrid and will make a decision in the coming days.
Both London clubs were heavily linked with a move in the upcoming transfer window, but focus may have to switch to other targets. It comes ahead of a defining summer for the rivals, where recruitment may be a deciding factor in their future.
For the Blues, Thomas Tuchel will be looking to freshen up his squad, with a number of key players already leaving as free agents. Discussing the need for signings this season, the coach said: “The two top teams [Man City and Liverpool] improve their teams and have teams that are very clear on which they build. It's a rebuild necessary for us and that makes it more challenging, of course."
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As for the Gunners, there will be a sense of disappointment in missing out on Champions League football, however there will be a desire to continue building upon the work and foundations laid by Mikel Arteta. The key to such improvement will be in adding other first-team options as well as strength in depth.
“We have to make a clear assessment on that [the season] and how we take the club to the next level,” the Spaniard said, reflecting on his second full campaign. “If we want to do that, we know what we have to do.”
Both teams have been linked with a number of midfield players to help freshen up their central ranks, one of which is Monaco’s Tchouameni. The 22-year-old has been tipped for big things, having impressed with the Ligue 1 side.
However, according to The Mirror, the Frenchman has an agreement with two other teams, Liverpool and Real Madrid. It would represent a huge blow to both London clubs, should they miss out on him, and an even bigger one if he strengthens Premier League rivals.
With the midfielder set to make his decision in the coming days, both Chelsea and Arsenal may have to look at other players this summer instead.
