Who is Aurelien Tchouameni and who out of Liverpool and Real Madrid will win race for his signature?
- Graeme Bailey
- 26 May 2022
Also wanted by Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, 22-year-old Aurelien Tchouameni has emerged as one of the most wanted players in world football.
The midfielder was born in Normandy but he grew up in Bordeaux. He came through the ranks at Bordeaux and made his debut at 18 in a Europa League clash against Latvian side FK Ventspils. Within two years he was a key player.
Who does Aurelien Tchouameni play for now?
He is currently playing for Monaco, who he joined in 2020 after they paid £16million to land his signature.
Two years on from moving to the Stade Louis II, he has emerged as one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 and he is also part of Didier Deschamps' French side.
Thanks @AS_Monaco for this season. We can be proud !❤️ pic.twitter.com/al6xRCLnRh
— Tchouameni Aurélien (@atchouameni) May 23, 2022
What type of player is Aurelien Tchouameni?
A very modern player who can do everything, but basically he is a box-to-box midfielder.
He features in defence and attack and there are not many players around with his skill-set and attributes.
What has he said?
"It's the fruit of my labour. I hope to remain calm. It's beautiful what's happening to me," he said after his French debut last year.
On his future: "I can watch Spanish games and English games, I like both.
"It's different to play in Spain and it's different to play in England, but at the end, for me, it's just a matter of adaptation."
What has Paul Pogba said about Aurelien Tchouameni?
French international colleague Paul Pogba is full of praise for him: "Very, very good. He's not a boy, he's a man.
"Pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality.
"We wish him to play lots of matches. and that I am always at his side."
Where is Aurelien Tchouameni going?
The battle for his signature is now a four-team battle between Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Chelsea were actually leading the race for Tchouameni having made a move to sign him last summer. They were offered the chance to buy him and loan him back but instead opted for Saul on loan from Atletico Madrid - a decision that is likely to haunt them.
Liverpool have been hugely keen on the player and believed a deal was close, while Paris Saint-Germain are - as ever - throwing money at the player.
However, it is Real Madrid who are leading the chase. Personal terms are not an issue with all four interested clubs able to meet his demands and Monaco are allowing Tchouameni to make his choice.
That team is Real, but as it stands the deal is not done yet. The two sides are still some way off with their valuations but it does seem that Tchouameni has his heart set on the Spanish capital.
