Chelsea would have pushed harder than anyone to make a good impression on Aurélien Tchouameni and his agent.

Above all, according to Marca, the Blues have done everything possible to make the Monaco midfielder feel the most adored.

Tchouameni a target of choice

Tchouameni, who turned just 22 yesterday, has been followed by the chain of command at Stamford Bridge for what appears to be an all-out.

It has been suggested that a move to south-west London could have materialized last summer.

The France international has instead stayed in his homeland but it looks increasingly likely that he will leave at the end of the season.

If, or when, he parts ways with Monaco, his signature line will be as long as the eye can see.

However, those at the front of the line have moved a little distance between themselves and the chasing pack.

Marca claim that Chelsea and Manchester United are the Premier League sides best placed to land Tchouameni, with Real Madrid also spinning intensely.

Still, the Londoners’ extra effort with the player’s representative, Jonathan Kebe, has seemingly put them in pole position.

Double the French stars

Interestingly, Kebe is also looking after Jules Kounde, another name highly targeted by the European champions.

If the Blues want to land the two Frenchmen, Roman Abramovich better start scribbling some pretty large sums on his cheques.

Tchouameni could now cost between £66m and £83m (Marca), having been valued at £30m and then £50m (90 mins).

Meanwhile, Sevilla may well again demand that Kounde’s £68million (Goal) release clause be paid in full, as they did in the previous transfer window.

Spending well over £100million on two players might send shivers down the spine of some supporters.

However, both would be investments for the future, while solving some current issues in the team.

Chelsea’s midfield could be in for an overhaul, now N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are in their thirties.

A hole at centre-back may need to be filled if any of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen or Cesar Azpilicueta leaves this year.

Sometimes big rewards are expensive, as Abramovich knows very well.

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