Arsenal are thought to be lining up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in a move that could cost the Gunners £77.3 million, according to a report from TEAMTALK.
They have reportedly abandoned their plans to sign Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and will instead focus their attention on the Los Blancos superstar – but the Gunners aren’t the only interested party.
Who else, besides Arsenal, are interested in a move for Aurelien Tchouameni?
As one of the best young defensive midfielders in football at the moment, Arsenal are not the only top team who have been coveting the young Frenchman. As well as the Gunners, Newcastle United, Liverpool and PSG have all been linked with a move for Tchouameni over the course of the ongoing summer transfer window.
While Newcastle’s interest in the player appears to have cooled in recent weeks, Liverpool and PSG could provide Arsenal with stern financial competition.
Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta’s men hold a distinct advantage over Liverpool. Arsenal will be able to provide Tchouameni with Champions League football next season – something he will not receive if he chooses to move to Anfield in the 2023/24 campaign.
What would Aurelien Tchouameni bring to the squad?
With Declan Rice seemingly on his way to the Emirates Stadium, it is difficult to see where Tchouameni fits into the Arsenal squad. If both players are brought to the club, one of them will have to play at either centre-back or central midfield if they are both going to fit into the team.
It’s unlikely that Tchouameni will be brought in as a backup option. Not only his talents far too extensive for such a role, his price tag will also necessitate his inclusion in the squad.
Of course, Arteta could play with two holding midfielders next season – but this is unlikely, as it would limit Arsenal’s attacking options.
Tchouameni could be a good fit in central midfield, despite being a defensive midfielder primarily. He possesses wonderful technical ability and can score goals from the middle of the park – as evidenced in the World Cup, when he netted a powerful drive against England for France.
