Transfer News: Chelsea leading the race for Ligue 1 midfield star

Chelsea step up their pursuit of AS Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni

According to the Sun (h/t ESPN), Chelsea are said to be leading the race to sign AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, moving ahead of rivals Manchester United, who are also said to be interested in the player.

Tchouameni is the latest player from Monaco to make waves across Europe with his performances. The midfielder has continued his fine form from last season into this year as well, establishing himself as a regular at the heart of Philippe Clement‘s side.

The 21-year-old’s performances have captured the attention of Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United. According to the report, the former is ahead of the latter in the race to land him. The Red Devils are in the market for a midfielder but appear to have moved on to other targets.

With Monaco struggling to qualify for European football next season, the Frenchman could depart the club and complete a move this month to a club that guarantees continental action. With Chelsea well ahead in the table and likely to finish in the Champions League qualification spots this season in the Premier League, the Blues are well placed to give the player what he seeks.

Tchouameni has been linked with a €50m move to west London and has been identified as the man to replace Chelsea star N’golo Kante. Tchouameni has already shown at the international level that he is capable of replacing Kante and with the veteran not getting any younger, signing him would make Chelsea’s life easier.

The comparisons to Kante arise from the fact that like his compatriot, the Frenchman also plays in front of the defence and shields the backline. Reports indicate that the France international is also wanted in Spain, as Barcelona are said to be interested in sealing the player’s signature.

Comparisons to a player like Kante do not come lightly, and it is a testament to Tchouameni’s ability on the pitch. Only 21, the player is sure to only get better with age, and having a tactically-astute coach like Thomas Tuchel will only see him develop further.

We have seen Tuchel get the best of Kante in both defence and offence since taking over at the club and employing a system that gets the best out of the midfielder. Reports of Chelsea leading the race for Tchouameni is definitely exciting and hopefully, we can drive that advantage home.

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Our midfield has strength in depth with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Saul Niguez, Jorginho, and Kante all providing distinct strengths. Out of the lot, Saul is likely to depart the club after his loan spell expires next summer and Jorginho, although reliable, does not boast of the same qualities that Kante does. Kovacic is the closest to having similar qualities as that of the Frenchman, but his injury record continues to be an issue if he is to nail down a spot in our midfield.

Securing Tchouameni will hand Chelsea a long term option in a key area of the field. The Frenchman has it in him to become a world-beater and the Blues will dow ell to get him on board as soon as possible.