In-demand Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni plays down big-money transfer away this summer

Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has played down interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City – insisting he can represent France no matter where he plays his club football.

The rising star is one of the most in-demand youngsters in Europe, with clubs including Real, City, and Manchester United reportedly interested.

The France international has been in impressive form for Monaco during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring three times and registering two assists.

Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has played down Real Madrid and Man City interest

The 22-year-old is one of the most in-demand youngsters in Europe ahead of the summer

The 22-year-old made his senior debut for the France national team in September last year and picked up a Nations League winner’s medal the following month. 

The Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year scored his first international goal to help secure a late 2-1 win for France in their latest friendly against Ivory Coast on Friday.

‘You don’t necessarily have to play at Real or Manchester City to play for the France team,’ the midfielder told a press conference via Goal.

Tchouameni was named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year during the 2020-21 campaign

Liverpool, Juventus, Chelsea and even PSG have previously been linked with the midfielder, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

The France international’s contract expires in 2024 but Monaco reportedly would be willing to let the star leave at the end of the season, if there is an offer of €50million (£43m).

Ahead of France’s friendly against South Africa, Tchouameni was heavily pressed on the possibility of a transfer to PSG, to which he replied: ‘It is a top club with very great players. 

‘They have big goals but unfortunately they haven’t won the Champions League yet – but they already have a lot of trophies.’ 

Chelsea star N’Golo Kante was a notable absentee from the win over Ivory Coast amid reports he had to leave the squad for personal reasons.

Tchouameni relieved to have N’Golo Kante (pictured) back for the friendly against South Africa

He will, however, be available for selection again against South Africa, much to Tchouameni’s relief. 

‘It is a pleasure to have N’Golo again. He congratulated me for my goal, we discussed it and we are very happy to have him.’

Tchouameni is slowly becoming a regular under France boss Didier Deschamps – despite an array of talent in the midfielder including Kante and Paul Pogba.