Chelsea are “giving serious consideration” to signing Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, according to The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondents Simon Johnson and Liaw Twomey.
West Ham’s Declan Rice, who is also a target for Manchester United and Manchester City, was believed to be the London club’s priority as the Blues look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park. However, the England international’s £100m asking price has put them off from making an offer:
#CFC’s opening Premier League game is less than four weeks away and the club have yet to make a signing. Should the club’s fans be concerned? Piece with @liam_twomey here: https://t.co/NogYaaMCYF
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) July 19, 2021
Instead, it appears an approach for Tchouameni is on the cards. The 21-year-old has been on the club’s radar since the January transfer window and he is expected to be available for around €40m (£34m).
The one major concern about the Frenchman is his lack of experience in the Premier League but it is believed that the fact he is available for “significantly less” than Rice could swing things in his favour.
Tchouameni played 42 times in all competitions for Monaco last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists as his side finished third in Ligue One.