Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool want Aurelien Tchouameni but the France international is refusing to rule out spending another season at Monaco, speaking via Get France Football News.
The 2018 Ligue 1 champions might have developed a reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific ‘selling clubs’ – Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva and Fabinho are just the tip of an iceberg large enough to sink the Titanic two times over – but Monaco are under no pressure to cash in on Tchouameni.
No immediate pressure, anyway.
The 22-year-old midfield colossus is under contract until 2024 after all. What’s more, there is a 12-month extension clause in his current deal.
According to FootMercato, Liverpool have already held talks with Tchouameni’s camp. The £52 million-rated former Bordeaux ace – a player Jurgen Klopp ‘loves’ – is also on the radars of Arsenal and Manchester United.
But while some are painting Tchouameni’s departure as something of a foregone conclusion, the player himself is keen to point out that no decision has been taken just yet.
Arsenal and Liverpool want Aurelien Tchouameni
“I am contracted here until 2024 with an option until 2025. We’ll see what the future has in store for me,” says a man likened to Steven Gerrard and labelled ‘extraordinary’ by Paul Pogba.
“The transfer window is always a period where lots of things can happen. Why not (stay at Monaco)?
“Playing Champions League football with Monaco isn’t something that would displease me. The elimination last year stuck in my throat.”
Of course, Monaco will have to actually qualify for the Champions League for Tchouameni’s comments to apply. Philippe Clement’s side are currently outside of the UCL spots, albeit only on goal difference.
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“He is a complete midfielder, very fast and physically strong,” says Monaco’s much-admired sporting director Paul Mitchell. “He reminds me of Steven Gerrard.”
Tchouameni, at 22, would add an element of youth to Liverpool’s experienced midfield. Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara are all over 30, while Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will turn 29 this year.
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