Chelsea owner frustrated with Marina Granovskaia for not signing this French star last year | OneFootball

Toddy Boehly unhappy that Marina Granovskaia failed to complete the transfer of Aurelien Tchouameni to Chelsea

According to Spanish outlet Sport (h/t Express), Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is unhappy and unhappy that former director Marina Granovskaia did not complete the transfer of Aurelien Tchouameni from AS Monaco.

The French international, who moved to Real Madrid in the summer for a deal worth around £85.3m with add-ons, was a subject of interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and other big clubs in the last year or so.

Boehly, who took over the reins at Chelsea in May following the departure of Roman Abramovich post-sanction, believes that the midfielder should be playing for the Blues by signing last summer.

Aurelien Tchouameni is one of the best midfielders in Europe. (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)

In the summer window of 2021, the west London club had a genuine interest in getting Tchouameni. However, they instead went for a loan deal to sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid. The Spaniard had a torrid season at Stamford Bridge.

As per the Telegraph (Subscription Required), senior officials at Chelsea felt that the Frenchman would not be able to provide the impact in midfield required by the former manager Thomas Tuchel.

Since his move to Madrid, Tchouameni has seamlessly taken over the role in defensive midfield following the departure of Casemiro to Manchester United. His assist for Rodrygo’s goal in the La Liga game against Atletico Madrid on Sunday was a joy to watch.

Chelsea missed a trick by not signing Tchouameni from Monaco.

It’s not that this has come as a surprise. The 22-year-old was one of the best midfielders in the Ligue 1 last season. He has already become a key part of the French midfield and looks like the next big thing in Real Madrid’s midfield.

Is Boehly right that Chelsea went for the wrong option? Yes. But, is it helpful for the American to worry about the past instead of dealing with what is to come? Absolutely not.

By the looks of it, the Blues have missed out on a gem to upgrade their midfield. With N’Golo Kante now 31 and struggling for availability due to injuries, Tchouameni could have been an ideal long-term replacement for the former Leicester City man.