Chelsea linked with versatile Ligue 1 ‘midfield monster’

Chelsea took a huge step towards qualification for next season’s Champions League on Tuesday evening as they defeated Leicester City 2-1 in a feisty encounter at Stamford Bridge. 

The Blues went ahead through Antonio Rudiger before a Jorginho penalty doubled their lead and, despite a late goal from Kelechi Iheanacho, they held on to put themselves in a commanding position going into the final round of fixtures on Sunday.

Chelsea’s task is simple; beat Aston Villa and they secure a place in next season’s competition. A draw or loss for the Blues will mean they rely on results elsewhere to secure a top four finish.

Since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, the Blues have kept a remarkable 18 clean sheets in 26 games and, with a top four spot and a potential Champions League triumph still on the cards, Tuchel’s first season could still go down as one of the best in the club’s history.

It appears, however, that he and those in charge at the club are already eyeing reinforcements for next season.

According to Goal, the Blues are chasing highly rated Monaco star Aurelian Tchouameni, who has impressed at the heart of the club’s midfield this season.

Tchouameni has scored twice and made four assists in Ligue 1 this season.

The 21-year-old has been instrumental in the club’s route to the Coupe de France final, where they face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

The report suggests that Tchouameni, who arrived in Monaco last January for a fee of around £15 million, is being chased by a number of Europe’s elite clubs, with Chelsea leading the pack.

The youngster has started 35 of Monaco’s 37 Ligue 1 games this season, missing the other two due to suspension.

A fee of around £35 million would reportedly be demanded for the France Under-21 star.

Tchouameni could be seen as a long-term replacement for Jorginho, with the Italian’s future the subject of constant speculation.

The former Napoli man had been linked with a return to Italy, with Juventus regarded as potential suitors, before he appeared to commit his future to the West London club last month.

Tchouameni is admired by Chelsea as he can be deployed in a number of roles in midfield.