Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Aurelien Tchouameni transfer: Monaco chief gives Liverpool deal the thumbs up subject to ‘aggressive’ caveat

Aurelin Tchouameni Monaco midfielder, during the UEFA Europa League match at Stade Louis II, Monaco

Liverpool have been given a major lift in their Aurelien Tchouameni transfer push after Monaco’s sporting director gave the Reds the green light to pursue a deal.

The 22-year-old France midfielder is emerging as Liverpool’s No 1 target of what is expected to be a relatively quiet summer. Incoming new transfer guru, Julian Ward, is making Tchouameni his focus as he looks to bring in fresh legs in their engine room.

The likes of James Milner, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are all over 30 and won’t be able to go on forever. In Milner’s case, he is out of contract this summer and a decision on his future is still to be made.

Furthermore, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also likely to depart with five clubs keen, freeing up a potential space in the Liverpool squad.

As such, Liverpool are actively pursuing a deal for Tchouameni who looks to have a huge career ahead of him.

Indeed, he has shone in Ligue 1, earning recognition in a crowded les Bleus squad. As a result, he’s earned himself admiration from some of European football’s big hitters.

Liverpool are not alone though in their pursuit of the star. To that end, a report over the weekend claims both the Reds and Real Madrid have agreed personal terms with Tchouameni.

But it’s the Reds who appear to be in the driving seat. Monday’s Transfer Gossip revealed how Liverpool have been given the nod that he favours Anfield over the Bernabeu.

Now Monaco’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is suggesting Tchouameni is likely to move on this summer.

Mitchell, though, claims, he has no preference where he will go. However, he has told his suitors it will take an “aggressive” approach to lure him away.

‘Important fee’ is needed

“I don’t have a preference to be honest [over who he joins],” Mitchell told RMC Sport. “Of course, an important fee is needed. Offers have to be very aggressive if they want us to sell a top player like Tchouameni.”

Tchouameni himself recently addressed his future and is seemingly not ruling out a move away.

“It’s true that there are a lot of people that are hoping to see me stay,” he said. “That makes me happy because it shows that I’m doing good work.

“As I’ve said before, what is certain is that there is one more match in Monegasque colours against Lens. And after that we’ll see what happens.”

Tchouameni transfer right for Liverpool

Quite what that fee will be remains uncertain, though recent reports suggest Monaco are seeking around £59m.

His deal currently expires in 2024 at the Stade Louis II Stadium. As such, Monaco know the best time to sell him is likely to be this summer.

If Liverpool can bring him to Anfield, they will be landing another excellent player.

Having seen him in action, he should slot effortlessly into the Reds midfield. An excellent passer of the ball and a tireless engine, Tchouameni looks ripe for success in the Premier League.

Liverpool in direct talks with Monaco for Tchouameni

Liverpool in direct talks with Monaco for Tchouameni

French journalists have confirmed Liverpool and Real Madrid are talking to AS Monaco over the signing of Tchouameni this summer

It would also ease the burden off the likes of Henderson and Thiago. And Tchouameni is also able to cover at No 6 for Fabinho.

The player has appeared in 48 games for Monaco this season, scoring three times and assisting with two.

Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, has revealed the talks he has held with Liverpool and why his family are eager for him to sign for the Reds.