Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is set to be very busy this summer with his squad in desperate need of a rebuild. The Blues finished third last season, comfortably behind Manchester City and Liverpool and will need to spend big in the transfer market to close the gap on the Premier League’s top two.
The immediate concern for the club will be to address their issues in defence with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to leave when their contracts expire next month. However, the Blues are also likely to be in the market for another central midfielder.
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho have been excellent servants over the years but are in their 30s and have just one year remaining on their respective contracts. Leaving the Blues in a tricky position as to whether to extend their deals or cash this summer.
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A number of players have been linked with a move to Chelsea as potential long-term replacements for their ageing midfield duo and one such name is Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni. The 22-year-old, who is a product of Bordeaux's academy has established himself as one of European football’s brightest prospects over the last two years. However, the Frenchman looks destined for a move to Real Madrid in the near future following reports Los Blancos are keen on signing the midfielder.
Tchouameni is a defensive midfielder by trade and his aggressive/combative nature coupled with ability to close opponents down quickly make him the ideal replacement for Kante. The Frenchman was voted Ligue 1’s player of the season for the 2020/21 campaign and his sensational form has seen him linked with an array of European football’s elite clubs.
However, Tchouameni gave little away when asked about his future but hinted that he would be open to a move, he said: “I have a contract with Monaco until 2024, with an option until 2025, we’ll see what the future holds.
“In the transfer windows, many things can happen. There is my case and that of other players, some at the end of their contracts, others who have interest in other places.”
Monaco finished third in Ligue 1 and will go into the third qualifying round to secure their place in next season’s Champions League. However, Tchouameni is still expected to leave the French club this summer; with Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid also rumoured to be interested in acquiring his services.
