Aurelien Tchouameni has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool.
The Reds boast one of the best midfields in Europe, but this hasn't stopped the club being linked with a number of young centre mids to bolster the squad and replace some of the aging players, such as James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
At just 22, Tchouameni has already become a full French international and played a key role in their UEFA Nations League win last year. Playing at the heart of midfield, Tchouameni's performance in the final opened up a lot of eyes to what he could do for a team continually competing for the game's biggest prizes.
With the summer transfer window set to open, here's everything that's been said about Tchouameni potentially leaving Monaco for Liverpool.
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Contact has been made
No major transfer is made on a whim and the groundwork gets laid months before the I's are dotted and T's crossed.
So though no official bid has been made just yet, Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato has claimed that “contacts have already taken place” between Liverpool and the player’s representatives over a potential transfer.
“When I was at Bordeaux and heard of the club’s interest in me, I did not hesitate for a second to come here to the Principality," he told Monaco’s official club website earlier this month. "I knew it could help me progress, with top facilities, and being a top project for young players. So today I am very happy to be part of this great club.”
Real Madrid confident
Real Madrid ended the 2021 summer transfer window by signing Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes.
Not content with one talented French up-and-comer, recent reports claim that they are moving quickly to snag Tchouameni as they look to revamp their aging midfield. AS claim that the Spanish giants are confident that a move will materialise this summer while other publications believe talks are at an advanced stage between the two parties.
2021 missed opportunity
Liverpool were linked with a move to sign Tchouameni last summer for a reported £25million.
Nothing came to fruition and the Reds have not missed his presence in the middle of the park, with Thiago and Naby Keita stepping up and Fabinho continuing to dominate when selected. Factor in the roles James Milner and Jordan Henderson continue to play in the first-team and the Frenchman may have found opportunities limited at Anfield.
However, the 22-year-old has gone on to make his senior international debut for France and though his contract is winding down, it expires in two years, the fee for the star has risen to at least £42m, meaning the wait could cost Jurgen Klopp £17m.
Liverpool's interest confirmed
Liverpool owners FSG are already planning ahead for what the future looks like and with news breaking that they're hoping to convince Jurgen Klopp to extend his Anfield contract even longer than 2024, it also appears as though the Reds are looking at some future transfer targets.
Aurelien Tchouameni was chief among them, but the ECHO understands Reds aren't confident of a deal because of Real Madrid's interest, with 2023 appearing more likely as a transfer window in which Liverpool will strengthen their midfield.
Nevertheless, he does fit the profile of the type of player Liverpool are interested in, while the Reds remain admirers of Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.
