Manchester City are reportedly ready to prioritise a move for Aurelien Tchouameni, a target for Liverpool, as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho.
According to Football Insider, Aurelien Tchouameni has raced ahead on top of Manchester City’s midfield shortlist, with the Premier League champions ready to prioritise a move for the Frenchman. Pep Guardiola wants the AS Monaco star, a target for Liverpool, to replace Fernandinho, who will leave the club when the season ends.
Fernandinho has been one of the best signings in the last decade for Manchester City, helping the club win four Premier League titles among other honours. The Brazilian midfielder will depart from the Etihad when the season ends, leaving the English champions scouring the market for a suitable replacement.
Guardiola was visibly surprised by the midfielder’s decision, and the Catalan coach may have wanted to keep the Brazilian around for another season. The 36-year-old insists a return to Brazil could be on the cards, and now Manchester City will step up their efforts to find a suitable replacement.
Kalvin Phillips’s name was mentioned a few days ago as a potential replacement, but other, younger players in the market may suit the role better. Mikel Merino is also a player linked with a move to Manchester City, but now it seems Aurelien Tchouameni might be on top of the wishlist.
The AS Monaco midfielder has been on the radars of top clubs since breaking through at the Ligue 1 club 18 months ago. Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all expressed an interest in Tchouameni. But it does look like Manchester City are ready to go all out for the Frenchman in the upcoming window.
Tchouameni has become a key player for Monaco and the French national side. He looks destined to travel with Didier Deschamps’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup later this year. With two years left on his deal with Monaco, he might look for an exit from Stade Louis II, with the Ligue 1 club likely to demand a sizeable transfer free.
His defensive style and ability to perform well with possession make him ideal for many top teams, let alone Manchester City. Guardiola certainly likes him as he views the Frenchman as the ideal replacement for Fernandinho.
Tchouameni is also courting considerable interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea, while Liverpool are also reportedly keen. Liverpool are expected to bring in a young midfielder in the summer as Jurgen Klopp continues to refresh his options across the pitch. Having sorted the forward situation with the recent signings of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, the focus is now on midfield reinforcements.
Tchouameni represents the ideal choice for Liverpool, although the competition from Manchester City could make it difficult for the Reds to compete in the market. Manchester City will be able to offer a sizeable transfer fee and a lucrative contract offer compared to Liverpool.
It remains to be seen where Tchouameni lands in the summer, although if Manchester City are serious with their interest, the pendulum will only swing in one direction. In Tchouameni’s case, he will have lots of proposals on the table to choose from, and many factors will help in deciding on his future team.