Chelsea-linked Aurelien Tchouameni could potentially have a tough decision to make as early as next week with AS Monaco’s Champions League future hanging in the balance.
The midfielder, who has been rumoured to be under consideration by the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus, is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football.
With the Blues reportedly keen to add a midfielder before transfer deadline day, the 21-year-old has been identified as an ideal candidate to assume the mantle.
Reports have suggested that Chelsea have opened talks with his current employers Monaco, and the west Londoners could potentially be handed a huge bargaining chip as early as next week.
According to Eurosport, the Ligue 1 outfit may be forced to cash-in on the Frenchman should they fail to reach this season’s Champions League group stage.
The loss of revenue would see their earnings fall dramatically, meaning that their key assets may have to be sold.
That situation took one step closer to becoming reality earlier this week with Niko Kovac’s men having fallen to a 1-0 defeat to Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk on home soil in their Champions League play-off.
It means that Monaco must win away from home to stand any chance of progressing to the group stages.
Should they fall, Chelsea would certainly be in a great position to strike a deal for Tchouameni despite the youngster still having three years left to run on his current deal at the Stade Louis II.
Of course, the Blues would be able to offer Champions League football to the midfielder having claimed their second European crown last season, whilst finishing fourth in the Premier League.
