Liverpool have reportedly made contact with the agents of AS Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni as they look to beat Real Madrid to his signing.
According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are planning to beat La Liga giants Real Madrid in the race to sign French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer transfer window. The Reds have opened contact with the representatives of the 22-year-old over a potential move.
Tchouameni came through the youth ranks at Bordeaux before signing for Monaco in January 2020. Since the transfer, the young midfielder has grown leaps and bounds, establishing himself as one of the best in his position in Ligue 1. The 22-year-old ace has also broken into the French national team and helped them win the UEFA Nations League last year.
Tchouameni’s progress since joining Monaco has not escaped the attention of top clubs across Europe, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham linked to him at some point in the recent past. However, Real Madrid have shown the strongest interest to lure the 22-year-old away from Monaco in the summer.
Real Madrid need to start refreshing their options in the centre of the park as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos enter the final phases of their respective careers. The lack of a backup for Casemiro remains an issue. In Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, Carlo Ancelotti has two young and talented options, but the pair are not suited to the No. 6 role that Casemiro essays.
That is where Tchouameni could enter the fray. The 22-year-old has proven himself to be a top player while slotting in as a No. 6 or when deployed in a more box-to-box capacity. His defensive nous, strength and abilities on the ball would make him the ideal long-term replacement for Casemiro.
So, Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of Tchouameni. However, as per the report, Los Blancos are yet to convince Monaco or the midfielder with their offers, paving the way for other interested clubs to make a move. And Liverpool are one such team who are ready to take advantage of the situation and swoop in for the signing of the French international.
The report states that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Tchouameni and wants the club to sign him in the summer. With James Milner’s career winding down, Jordan Henderson and Thiago in their thirties, adding young blood to the midfield department makes sense for the Merseyside giants.
Liverpool, to that end, have made contact with the 22-year-old’s entourage and hold the edge over Real Madrid when it comes to the financial aspect of the deal, as per the report. Tchouameni is expected to cost above €50 million, and it remains to be seen who comes out on top in the race to land the Frenchman this summer.