Ligue 1 side set to keep 21-year-old midfielder this month, Chelsea eye summer deal

Transfer News: Monaco reluctant to sell Aurelien Tchouameni in January with Chelsea optimistic on a summer deal

According to French outlet L’Equipe, as relayed by GFFN (h/t Football.London), Monaco don’t want to offload Chelsea target Aurelien Tchouameni in the January transfer window, while the Blues are keen on a summer deal.

After signing for Monaco in 2020, Aurelien Tchouameni has experienced spectacular growth lately. The French international has played a pivotal role in the 29 appearances he made for Monaco across all competitions. Furthermore, the youngster also got the chance to captain The Monégasques on a few occasions – an incredible feat for a 21-year-old. 

Chelsea have retained their interest in Tchouameni after failing to lure the midfielder in the summer. However, it is believed that Monaco have decided not to sell one of their key midfielders in the January transfer window. 

Marina Granovskaia’s board wouldn’t want to repeat their mistake from last summer when they didn’t show promptness to close the deal despite initiating talks with his agent. The West London club’s board opted for Saúl Ñíguez instead, but the move hasn’t worked out well as the Spaniard is still adjusting the style of the Premier League.. 

A lot has changed since the summer window, and currently, Chelsea don’t have the luxury in the midfield. With N’Golo Kanté ageing, the Blues are eyeing Tchouameni as a long-term replacement for the World Cup winner and want to strike a deal with Monaco in the summer window. 

Tchouameni would be a smart inclusion for Thomas Tuchel’s side, considering his ability on the ball and his defensive acumen off it. At 21, he still has a long way to go before he reaches his best and by the time he approaches his best years, the Blues may well need a new midfielder to take over the mantle from the likes of Jorginho or Kante.

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However, Tchouameni’s potential is not a secret and it has attracted a lot of attention from European heavyweights like Liverpool and Manchester United. Furthermore, the Red Devils wouldn’t back away from making a big-money offer if the need arises. Therefore Chelsea board have to be quick-witted in their approach.