Liverpool have been linked with a move for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as manager Jurgen Klopp continues to search for Gini Wijnaldum’s successor.
What’s the story?
According to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, the Reds are considering making a bid to sign the highly-rated 21-year-old, although they’re expected to face stiff competition for his signature.
The report also claims that Italian giants Juventus are interested in securing Tchouameni’s services this summer, with Monaco set to demand £25 million for their asset.
Imagine him and Thiago
After rising up through the ranks at boyhood club Bordeaux, Tchouameni joined Monaco in a big-money move in January 2020 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
The youngster made 42 appearances in all competitions for Niko Kovac’s charges last season, scoring three goals and providing a further four assists for his teammates.
However, it’s his work off the ball that really catches the eye. As per WhoScored, Tchouameni averaged a whopping 3.5 tackles per league game in 2020/21, by far the highest tally amongst his team.
He also made 1.7 interceptions, the joint-highest total when compared to his teammates. The France Under-21 international not only dominated proceedings on the ground but in the air as well, winning 67% of his aerial duels.
Tchouameni’s ability to stop opposition attacks, dispossess opponents and chip in with the odd goal and assist make him an extremely exciting prospect not only for the future but for the present day.
His assets would undoubtedly make him the ideal midfield partner for the more technically gifted and attack-minded Thiago. The Spaniard often struggles when asked to do the defensive side of the game, an area that Tchouameni thrives in.
Therefore, Liverpool’s director of football Michael Edwards must swoop for the Monaco ace before Juve snap him up.
Wijnaldum’s departure has left a sizeable gap in the club’s engine room, but Tchouameni is certainly capable of filling it. His arrival would add more balance and bite to Klopp’s midfield options, providing him with the necessary resources to mount another title challenge.
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