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Transfer News: Chelsea joined by Juventus in the race to sign Aurelien Tchouameni

According to Calciomercato (h/t football.london), Chelsea have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as Juventus prepare to hijack the deal. 

The West London club have keen on signing a central midfielder and were also tipped to complete a move for Tchouameni before the end of the transfer window as Monaco crashed their hopes of competing in the UEFA Champions League this year. 

However, the Blues did end up signing Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid on a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of this season. While that was the case, the Stamford Bridge outfit are now said to be plotting a potential move for Tchouameni next summer to bolster their midfield options.

Although Niguez is a brilliant addition, there is no certainty on whether the Blues will make that a permanent move. Moreover, two of their current midfield options, namely N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, will be 30 at the end of this year. 

While Billy Gilmour, who has gone out on loan to Norwich this season, is a viable youth prospect in the centre of the park next year, Tchouameni would certainly bring down the average of the midfield and also future-proof that area to a considerable extent.

The Frenchman was named Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Year last season. And thus, it is understandable as to why the London club are interested in securing his services.

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However, they will now face competition from Italian heavyweights Juventus for the 21-year-old’s signature as the Old Lady also look to add to their existing midfield line-up, according to Calciomercato (h/t football.london).

This would be a blow for the Blues, who would have been hoping to sign the midfielder without any competition next summer. Regardless, Tchouameni might have the final say regarding his preferred destination for next season.