Chelsea have been linked with Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni for some time.
The first rumours of Chelsea’s reported interest in the young Frenchman first started to emerge in the summer window, as Thomas Tuchel aimed to add to his midfield options.
The Blues managed to do just that but instead of Tchouameni, they secured the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez - who is set to spend the year on-loan at Stamford Bridge.
He has yet to really impress with the Blues, leading to suggestions that Chelsea could decide against making Saul’s move to west London a permanent one.
Should that be the case then Tchouameni could well re-emerge as a potential transfer option for the Blues at some point in the near future - whether that be in the upcoming January transfer window or in the summer of 2022.
As per reports though, it might be slightly more difficult for the Blues to secure his services.
According to the Athletic, there is currently a "lot more competition" for the midfielder, with Tchouameni continuing to catch the eye with his impressive performances in Ligue 1.
That certainly appears to be the case. A number of Europe's most prominent clubs including Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in the youngster, making it somewhat more difficult to convince Tchouameni of a future move to Stamford Bridge.
The question might well be asked then why Chelsea did not pursue a deal this year should they continue to hold an interest.
It has also been detailed that the Blues preferred to give the midfielder a further year with his current employers, feeling that it was ‘too early’ to bring him to the Premier League.
Tchouameni since then has gone on to make 23 appearances in all competitions for Monaco and played a role in France winning the most recent UEFA Nations League title.
His current contract at the Stade Louis II is set to run until the summer of 2024 so the Ligue 1 outfit are not yet in a position where they realistically have to sell but with a number of interested parties, it is hard to envisage them retaining the services of the promising youngster.
Chelsea will hope then they can edge themselves ahead and follow through on their long-standing interest in the Frenchman.
