Aurelien Tchouameni is becoming one of Europe’s hottest talents for the January transfer window with Liverpool and Manchester United eying the Monaco star, according to ESPN.
The Reds and Red Devils have sent scouts to the Stade Louis II this season to watch the 21-year-old closely. Real Madrid and Man City staff have also descended on the Principality to run the rule over the French sensation, whom Chelsea have also registered an interest in.
Manchester United will step up their pursuit of the midfielder if Paul Pogba does not renew his contract at Old Trafford. But any side wanting to sign Tchouameni face paying Monaco €50m to €60m (£42m-51m). A sizable mark-up on a young player the Monegasques paid Girondins de Bordeaux just €18m (£15m) for in January 2020.
Monaco expected clubs would target Tchouameni this summer, but Europe’s big-hitters all turned to their alternative options. However, they are again bracing themselves for bids ahead of the mid-season market, given the Frenchman’s start to the season.
Chelsea would hold an advantage over Liverpool and Manchester United if they try to beat their rivals to a transfer with Monaco for Tchouameni. The Blues are on good terms with his agent, Jonathan Kebe, who they spoke with this summer over Jules Kounde.
Reports by Marca have also cited Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Real Madrid’s interest in Tchouameni. The Spanish publication also noted Monaco would demand €60m (£51m) to sell the five-cap France international come the January window.
Double the fee Corriere dello Sport reported Monaco wanted amid interest from Liverpool and Juventus in Tchouameni this summer. Suggesting the Stade Louis II outfit would have sold their rising star for €30m (£25.5m) after showing strong gains under Niko Kovac.
Should Liverpool battle Chelsea and Man Utd for Monaco’s Tchouameni?
Tchouameni has grown a lot under Kovac’s guide during his 21-months in the Principality since leaving Bordeaux. He also thrived on his international debut under Didier Deschamps last month, and played a starring role as France beat Spain in the Nations League final.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea transfer target Tchouameni has scored twice in 15 games for Monaco so far this season. He also captained the Monegasques against Sturm Graz during their opening Europa League group stage fixture last month.
Pogba additionally heaped praise on his compatriot in the September international break. They started together against Ukraine, after which he told RTL, via Ouest France: “Very, very good. He’s not a boy, he’s a man. Pleasure to play next to him.
“He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality. We wish him to play lots of matches, and that I am always at his side.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
