Chelsea’s £40m transfer target ‘very likely’ to leave club this summer

The youngster has been in fine form in Ligue 1 for his side this season, and has sparked the interest of a host of elite clubs, also including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.

Chelsea are long-time admirers of the player, and will be confident in their chances of securing his signature this summer.

The prospect of a January deal seems unlikely, however, with L’Equipe reporting that the chances of him leaving Monaco in the winter window are “zero”. However, a move at the end of the season has been deemed “very likely”.

Tchouameni began his youth career at SJ D’artigues, joining their youth academy when he was six, before being snapped up by French giants Bordeaux. The midfielder graduated in 2018, and went on to represent Bordeaux 25 times, before leaving for 2016/17 Ligue 1 champions Monaco.

Chelsea’s interest in the player could prove bad news for academy grown talent Conor Gallagher, who had been tipped as a potential starter for Thomas Tuchel’s side next season after dazzling during his current loan spell at Crystal Palace.

But with N’Golo Kante getting older, and injuries creeping their way into disrupting his consistency, Tchouameni could serve as a ready made replacement for Kante, who has been at Chelsea for almost six years.

Tchouameni could well be at the centre of a bidding war and transfer saga this summer, such is the attention surrounding the 21-year-old.

Whoever wins the race for the Frenchman could land the spine of their team for the next decade.