Real Madrid are poised to land a second blow on Liverpool regarding Aurelien Tchouameni, though a report has claimed the Reds are in frequent contact with a left-field alternative.
The Monaco ace, 22,
The Monaco ace, 22, has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most dominant midfielders. Tchouameni has cultivated a reputation for being an attacker’s worst nightmare. Indeed, he regularly leads Ligue 1 in both the tackles won and interceptions statistics.
Tchouameni is already a regular in Didier Deschamps’ French national side. As such, it’s come as no surprise to see him linked with a blockbuster exit this summer.
Liverpool are known to be admirers of the midfielder who can also operate in a box-to-box role too. That means he would be capable of playing in any of Jurgen Klopp’s three midfield positions.
However, competition was always likely to be fierce with PSG and Real Madrid both credited with interest.
And according to Sky Sports, Madrid are closing in on the Frenchman.
They report Real are in ‘advanced talks’ to bring Tchouameni from Monaco to Madrid. The French side are demanding £68m, though per Fabrizio Romano, that won’t be a problem.
Indeed, the transfer guru tweeted Real have tabled a proposal worth precisely £68m prior to add-ons. The two clubs are now said to be pushing to conclude a deal as soon as possible. Sky concluded a five-year deal is in the offing.
Liverpool in frequent contact with Tchouameni alternative
With Tchouameni seemingly bound for Spain, Liverpool’s attention may turn to alternative targets.
According to Sport Witness, Red Bull Bragantino’s Brazilian midfielder, Eric Ramires, is one such option.
Real Madrid win the race for the Tchouameni against Liverpool reports say
Like Tchouameni, the 21-year-old operates primarily in midfield, though is also not locked solely to the holding position.
He would represent a cut-price alternative given his value is stated to be around €15m (£12.75m). Whether the Reds are willing to pay that sum to land Ramires, only time will tell.
Which position should Liverpool target?
The Daily Express recently claimed Liverpool fans may have to settle for just one new arrival this summer. That declaration stemmed from the fact Luis Diaz’s transfer was brought forward by six months when Tottenham showed their interest in January.
However, with Sadio Mane potentially leaving and the Guardian claiming Liverpool want a replacement lined up before selling, a blockbuster addition in the forwards may take precedent over midfield.
Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara constitute a superb starting trio.
There are doubts over the long-term viability of those beneath them, such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. Both those stars are out of contract in 2023, while James Milner could leave for nothing on June 30.
However, Liverpool have converted Harvey Elliott into a midfielder. Fabio Carvalho will also join from Fulham and the current plan is to integrate him straight into the first-team.
As such, if Liverpool cannot sign Tchouameni, they may be wise to focus all their attention on securing an elite Mane successor rather than scramble around for cheaper alternatives.
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