CHELSEA face coming away empty-handed in their pursuit of Monaco wonderkid Aurelien Tchouameni after Real Madrid joined the race for his signature.
The LaLiga giants are looking for a long-term successor to Brazil international Casemiro, who was himself linked with a move to the Blues late last year.
Tchouameni appears to have caught the eye of Bernabeu bigwigs, who have dispatched chief scout Juni Calafat to watch him further.
Now reports in Spain say Real have made the 22-year-old their top target for next summer.
Marca claims the LaLiga leaders have been tracking the defensive midfielder even before he became a regular in Didier Deschamps’ France squad.
One of boss Carlo Ancelotti’s key objectives for next season is to integrate a youngster capable of taking over from Casemiro.
The 29-year-old has been hailed as one of the best in the world in his position, but turns 30 next month and only has so long left at the top.
Chelsea were rumoured to be plotting a sensational bid for his services in December last year.
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But he is highly likely to remain in Spain, with a youngster learning under his wing.
AC Milan star Franck Kessie and Leeds’ England man Kalvin Phillips have both been mooted as alternatives should Tchouameni prove unobtainable.
Thomas Tuchel meanwhile is facing up to the prospect of upheaval in his midfield amid interest in Jorginho from Serie A heavyweights Juventus.
The Italy international is a shock target for the Turin outfit, but Chelsea may yet opt to cash in on the 30-year-old before his contract runs out in 2023.
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