Chelsea were ‘best-placed’ to sign 22-year-old French sensation prior to being hit by sanctions

Chelsea drop out of contention to sign Aurelien Tchouameni in recent weeks due to the sanctions

According to Marca (h/t The Express), Chelsea were in the best position to sign AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni but are now out of contention in light of the recent off-field crisis being faced by the club. PSG and Real Madrid appear to be the top two contenders to secure his services at the moment.

The 22-year-old became one of the hottest properties in European football after his impressive performances with The Monégasques. The youngster has already cemented himself as an integral part of the midfield for the French club. He has made a total of 87 appearances bagging six goals and recording six assists in the process for Monaco to date.

The French professional has been a sturdy presence in the middle of the pitch and provides great cover to the backline. His ability to read the game coupled with his ability on the ball is a great asset for any young player. The Blues were looking at the young midfielder as a way to bolster their midfield but any move for the former FC Girondins de Bordeaux player seems highly unlikely now.

Tchouameni to Chelsea a no-go?

The West Londoners have managed to put all of their off-field troubles behind them so far and are continuing to excel on the field. They have snatched one victory after another and there could finally be dealt some form of respite as the Stamford Bridge outfit could settle a new owner by the end of April.

The defending UEFA Champions League winners have an experienced midfield lineup of Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, and N’Golo Kante that are usually the preferred choice when fit under Thomas Tuchel. This trio has become an integral part of our team playing a crucial role in our success in the last couple of seasons.

That being said Jorginho and Kante are now entering their 30s and the club could do well to future proof their midfield options. At 22, Tchouameni could have been a suitable option with an eye toward the future but it remains to be seen how the club will take this situation in the next transfer window.

Chelsea have also been linked with the likes of Declan Rice in the past but only time can tell whether or not the new owners will make a splash in the immediate future. The club can hopefully put all of its uncertainties behind it and look to the post-Roman Abramovich era at the moment.

With a move for Aurelien Tchouameni all but unlikely the club could do well to look to other alternative solutions. Billy Gilmour is someone who has shown great promise but at 20, asking him to deliver week in and week out may be too much of a burden on his young shoulders.

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The French international has shown signs of becoming a top player in the years to come but only time can tell whether or not that prophecy is to be fulfilled as we have witnessed the unfortunate decline of a cluster of wonderkids all too many times in the past.