‘Liverpool really like him’ - James Pearce claims Reds are keen on swoop for ‘big talent’

Liverpool ‘really like’ rumoured transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of a potential summer move, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Reds will likely be looking to strengthen their midfield options next season, with several players now in their 30s and fresh blood perhaps required.

It looks as though Tchouameni is Liverpool’s primary target in that area of the pitch, with the 22-year-old looking like a player with enormous potential.

He scored twice in Monaco’s 2-1 win away to Lille on Friday night and has averaged 2.5 tackles and 2.9 interceptions per game in Ligue 1 this season. For context, no current Anfield player can match Tchouameni for either of those statistics in 2021/22.

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic on Saturday, Pearce reaffirmed Liverpool’s interest in Tchouameni, although he warned that the Reds could be priced out of a move amid competition from elsewhere.

In response to a reader enquiring about the links with the Monaco gem, the journalist stated:

“Yeah Liverpool really like him. Big talent. But price tag could be an issue and Real Madrid also very keen. Be interesting to see what happens with that one.”

Tchouameni really does look tailor-made to excel in this Liverpool side, possessing all the technical and physical attributes required to thrive under Jurgen Klopp, as suggested by his aforementioned performance figures.

Jordan Henderson is showing his age a little these days, while Naby Keita is still arguably a little hit-and-miss in terms of form, so finding a third regular starter alongside Fabinho and Thiago is crucial.

Tchouameni could be that man, already becoming such a force for Monaco and looking like he could take the Premier League by storm too.

In other news, one Liverpool