Blow for Liverpool as Chelsea in ‘advanced talks’ for 21-year-old transfer target

Transfer News: Chelsea in ‘advanced talks’ for Liverpool target Aurelien Tchouameni

According to 90min.com (h/t Liverpool ECHO), Liverpool could be in for a major blow in their pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni as Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign him.

The 21-year-old Tchouameni came through the youth ranks at French club Bordeaux and quickly established himself as one of the most promising youngsters in Ligue 1, prompting AS Monaco to take a punt on him in January last year.

After an initial bedding-in period, Tchouameni quickly became a regular in the starting XI for Niko Kovac’s side, and has racked up 51 appearances so far, scoring and assisting four goals apiece.

The youngster was so impressive last season that he was named the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year. His exploits have not gone unnoticed with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea taking note of the 21-year-old’s potential.

Liverpool are in need of a new midfielder, after having lost Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer earlier this summer. While it does not seem so after the first two games, the Reds would be very well aware that all it takes is an injury to expose any lack of depth within the roster.

Someone like Tchouameni, who at 21, has age on his side and can be groomed into a top player would have been a fine addition. However, as per the report, Liverpool are at the risk of losing the French starlet to arch-rivals Chelsea.

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It is claimed that the Blues are in ‘advanced talks’ over a move for the French Under-21 international and are also considering making a bid for the Monaco starlet.

So, as things stand, Liverpool might be losing out on the 21-year-old Tchouameni, although it is unclear as to how strong their interest in the Frenchman was.