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According to reports from France, Liverpool have contacted representatives of Monaco midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni about a summer move to Anfield.
The report comes from French journalist Santi Aouna, but he does not say whether Liverpool have entered into talks with Monaco about a transfer for the player.
Liverpool have been linked for some time with a move to Tchouameni, dating back to last summer, so reports that The Reds have reached their entourage is not too surprising.
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The player has emerged as one of the best prospects in European football over the past 12 months and there is now a line of clubs on Monaco’s doorstep for Tchouaméni, including Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has received critical acclaim from fellow team-mate Cesc Fabregas, with the Spaniard publicly praising the Tchouaméni.
“I think he can play anywhere in midfield and has no problem,” said Fabregas. He can play as a defensive midfielder, a number six, he can play as a number eight. In fact, in a few years I believe he can be a good number 10 because he has the strength to get into the box.”
In addition, Tchouaméni also earned praise from current Monaco sports director Paul Mitchell, who said: “He [Tchouaméni] is a complete midfielder, very fast and physically strong, he reminds me of Steven Gerrard.”
With his contract not expiring until the summer of 2024, any transfer fee for Tchouaméni will be high, with around £50million rumored in the past. Still, the feeling is that it will be worth it in the long run. Tchouaméni has made his breakthrough in the French national team this season, making his senior debut last September.
Given Liverpool’s ties to last year’s player and the need for a midfield refresh, it’s not surprising that the club would supposedly make a move on Tchouameni. With Jurgen Klopp now having ample attacking capabilities, it was always likely that this summer would move into midfield and add additional players to that part of the field.
Gini Wijnaldum left almost a year ago and a replacement was not signed; Thiago Alcântara, Curtis Jones and Naby Keita suffered from injuries earlier in the season, so it makes sense for the club to sign another midfielder.
As Fabregas pointed out, Tchouaméni resembles Wijnaldum in that he can operate in a variety of positions in midfield. Liverpool don’t have that kind of midfielder at the moment so going for Tchouameni is a smart move as it gives Klopp the chance to use him in different positions and allow him to rest players when needed.
It is of course still early in the race to sign Tchouameni, but the fact that Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with his entourage is promising. Adding Tchouameni to the current midfield would be a real statement of intent from the club.
Liverpool won’t need too many signings this summer – just two or three to bolster certain areas – but getting Tchouaméni would be the perfect start to the summer, although a deal is far from final at this stage.
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