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AS Monaco's French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is a man in demand. With just over two months to play in most of Europe's top leagues, teams are beginning to turn their attention to the summer transfer window.
It is important to note that this year's FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held in the winter months. This means, without the distraction of a major international tournament, teams could potentially get deals over the line much quicker than usual.
Aurelien Tchouameni appears to be headed out the door at Monaco
After being linked with a move last summer, Monaco managed to keep the 22-year-year-old defensive midfielder, who is under contract till 2024. Valued at £36million by Transfermarkt as of December 2021, rumors claim the French club want £50million for the Frenchman. Monaco signed Aurelien Tchouameni for just over £16million from Bordeaux in 2019.
Standing over six feet tall, Tchouameni's tackling, aerial ability and reading of the game are his outstanding attributes. Although he has displayed skill on the ball in terms of navigating tight spaces and neat feet, he is best used as a defense-first player, breaking up play and dispossessing opposition forwards. Tchouameni played a big role in Monaco boasting the fourth-best defense in Ligue 1 (42 goals conceded) last season.
The Frenchman has made 111 appearances for the French clubs, scoring and assisting seven times apiece. He has also been capped seven times by the national team. On that note, here's a look at five teams who could use his services next season:
#5 Manchester United
The Athletic's David Ornstein reported in January this year that Manchester United were among multiple English clubs interested in the Monaco star. The Red Devils are expected to witness a midfield exodus at the end of the ongoing season.
Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata could all depart Old Trafford in the summer. Even without potential exits, United are expected to revamp their midfield, which is lacking in quality compared to the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Tchouameni's physicality suggests he has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League's fast-paced environment.
#4 Liverpool
Along with Manchester United, Ornstein also confirmed Liverpool's interest in signing Aurelien Tchouameni. Three of the Reds' midfielders - Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner - are above the age of 30. Fabinho and Naby Keita continue to start games while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may depart ahead of the expiration of his contract next year.
Tchouameni's imposing frame makes him a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp's high-octane approach. The German tactician expects his teams to press hard, win the ball back quickly and impose themselves on the opposition. With many of the Reds' key players entering their 30s, it makes sense for the Merseyside club to target young talent.
#3 Paris Saint-Germain
PSG could be set for a summer of change. Their UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid is likely to result in the sale of multiple underperforming players.
There is a pressing need for the Paris-based club to revamp their midfield. Georginio Wijnaldum, Ander Herrera, Danilo Pereira and Idrissa Gueye are all 30 or older. They seem to lack a bit of quality in the middle of the park, whether while moving the ball forward quickly or stopping opposition players from driving at the PSG defense.
Aurelien Tchouameni is the perfect target for PSG as he is familiar with Ligue 1 and is a French international. His price tag should not prove to be an obstacle for the Paris-based side either.
#2 Real Madrid
During this year's winter window, Marca claimed Real Madrid were stepping up their pursuit of Monaco's star defensive midfielder. Los Blancos had already signed a talented young French midfielder last summer, bringing in Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes for €31million.
In Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos, Real Madrid have arguably the best midfield trident in the world. Signing the 22-year-old Frenchman would allow them to pair him with Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, potentially forming another well-rounded trio who will take the place of their illustrious predecessors in time.
If the Spanish giants' interest is real, this move makes the most sense for Tchouameni and gives him an opportunity to learn from some of the best midfielders of the era.
#1 Chelsea
Rumors earlier this year claimed Chelsea, along with Real Madrid, had expressed the most concrete interest in signing Tchouameni in the January window.
Under Thomas Tuchel, the Blues midfield has been solid, energetic and industrious. Although Chelsea do appear to lack a goalscoring threat at times, there is no doubting their defensive solidity. On paper, Monaco's midfield destroyer would slot seamlessly into the middle of the park at Stamford Bridge.
While it is still too early to say for certain, Jorginho, Saul Niguez, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could all depart London at the end of the season. N'Golo Kante isn't getting any younger either, which makes Tchouameni a remarkably interesting prospect for the Blues.
