Chelsea could be set to lose the key to signing long-term target Aurelien Tchouameni, following Real Madrid's latest stance in the transfer market. The west London side was heavily linked with the 22-year-old midfielder ahead of the season, but all that hard work looks to be in jeopardy.
Los Blancos have made Thomas Tuchel their number one choice to replace Carlo Ancelotti, according to Spanish newspaper Sport. The Italian, who has guided Real to a nine-point lead at the top of La Liga this season, faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu despite having enjoyed a strong season.
The report claims that president Florentino Perez has become growingly concerned with Ancelotti's style of play. Doubts over the 62-year-old's future have only been fuelled by Barcelona's recent four-goal demolition of Real Madrid.
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Sport adds that the Spanish side's hierarchy have already drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements in the event that Ancelotti is fired. Tuchel, who reportedly headlines said list, has been an excellent leader for Chelsea. If the Blues were to lose the German, the club could quickly stumble out of the race for Tchouameni.
The France international, who spearheaded the Blues' transfer shopping list in the summer, has already decided that he wants to play for Real Madrid, according to Spanish journalists Rodrigo Faez and Ramon Alvarez, via their transfer show. The report claims that Monaco are expected to demand just £42m for the 22-year-old's signature.
Tchouameni was of interest to Chelsea last summer, and football.london understands there were talks between the Blues and the midfielder's entourage, but nothing materialised. Tuchel's side opted against signing because the club felt as if he could have done with another 12 months of development, according to The Athletic.
Chelsea have since paid the price for their naivety and reluctance to pull the trigger on the said deal. But, if the west Londoners could keep the German at Stamford Bridge, it seemingly hands Chelsea a lifeline in the race for Tchouameni's signature.
Football.london had the chance to speak exclusively to French football expert Jonathan Johnson about what Tchouameni could bring to Chelsea and whether or not he is Kante's long-term replacement.
"In terms of being the potential future fulcrum of Chelsea's midfield, yes," Johnson replied when asked if Tchouameni could be the long-term successor of Kante. However, I would argue that Tchouameni has the potential to do more than just replace Kante.
"The Monaco man has the makings of a rare complete midfielder, whereas Kante has not built his reputation upon attacking prowess. Tchouameni could ultimately be the player Chelsea fans hoped Tiemoue Bakayoko would develop into."
