Varun Pai
Transfer News: Chelsea step up interest in AS Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni amidst Manchester United links
According to transfer news on Goal (h/t Sports Mole), Chelsea are ready to accelerate their interest in signing AS Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni despite facing competition from Manchester United.
The 2020/21 Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year has continued his fine form into this campaign. He has made 28 appearances for Monaco this term, including scoring 2 goals in this period. The midfielder also helped Les Bleus win the UEFA Nations League title in October.
Thus, it is no surprise that his stock is rising, and various clubs are vying for his signature. However, Chelsea are now ready to step up their interest in the player ahead of a summer move. The Blues are heavily scouting the Frenchman while his attitude and personal life are also apparently being monitored.
The West London will sign one of the Monaco star or West Ham’s Declan Rice, depending on the valuation of the latter. This shall come as a blow to Man United, who are also linked with the Tchouameni. The Red Devils are in the hunt for a holding midfielder, and there are arguably few better than the French international in the current generation.
Works out either way?
The Blues are also interested in Rice, one of our prime targets for the summer. However, this might bode well for us. If Chelsea are only planning on signing one player between the Monaco star and the West Ham ace, we could swoop in for the other with little competition to beat.
Of course, we might have our own preferences and additions that suit our style of play. Moreover, Rice looks like a better option, given his reasonable experience in the Premier League. However, he is also likely to be the more expensive option, with Man United aware that he could cost nearly £100million.
Tchouameni is an established international and has impressed for a second consecutive season in Ligue 1. There is little known about his valuation, as he shall enter the final two years of his contract in the summer. At the end of the day, we can lure the best talents to Old Trafford, but we might have to see off some competition from our rivals in West London.
More Manchester United News
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Regardless, we need a central midfielder. ‘McFred’ have been far from impressive this season, and Paul Pogba could leave as a free agent in the summer. Nemanja Matic has 18 months on his current contract and is set to turn 34 this year. Tchouameni would be a fantastic addition but let us hope John Murtough and co land his signature before Chelsea seal a deal for him.
