Real Madrid ready to sell star wanted by Liverpool and Chelsea after El Clasico loss: Reports
Real Madrid are allegedly willing to sell Aurelien Tchouameni, who has been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, following the 4-0 LaLiga defeat against Barcelona on Saturday (October 26).
Tchouameni, 24, has established himself as a vital first-team starter at Real Madrid since arriving from AS Monaco in a reported €80 million switch in 2022. He helped them lift the LaLiga title, the UEFA Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana last campaign, scoring three goals and giving one assist in 38 matches across all competitions as well.
However, according to Spanish website Fichajes.net, Real Madrid are keen to sell Tchouameni after his below-par display against Barcelona. The team's board have arrived at the aforesaid stance owing to the star's recent performance and the fans' distrust of the player.
Real Madrid, who are six points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona right now, have opted to slap a price tag of €90 million on Tchouameni. They believe that they can offload the right-footed defensive midfielder for the right amount with Liverpool and Chelsea both interested.
Tchouameni, who was heavily linked with the Reds in the summer of 2022, started Saturday's clash against Barcelona in a number six role. He was replaced by Luka Modric in the 63rd minute after not winning the one tackle that he attempted, and just three of five total duels in the encounter.
So far this campaign, the Liverpool and Chelsea-linked midfielder has started 13 of his 14 total appearances. The Frenchman, whose Real Madrid deal will expire in June 2028, has yet to either score or assist a goal.
Ex-Chelsea star heaps praise on Liverpool star
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy heaped praise on Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after the Irishman's recent outings. He opined (h/t Rousing The Kop):
"Whenever I see Kelleher play, he looks top drawer. Liverpool don't look weaker. Sometimes when you see a number two goalkeeper come in, you might see the defence drop a bit deeper or they're a bit hesitant with their back passes – not a bit of it."
Cundy, who played 41 league games for Chelsea between 1988 and 1992, added:
"He's played a lot in the last 18 months, two years, both in the Carabao Cup, Champions League but he never looks out of place. [The Merseyside outfit] don’t look any weaker with him in goal and that's a massive compliment by the way, huge."
Since the start of last campaign, Kelleher has featured in 30 overall outings for the Reds. The 25-year-old shot-stopper has recorded seven clean sheets and shipped 34 goals for Arne Slot's side along the way.
Kelleher, who is currently deputizing for Alisson Becker, will next play in Liverpool's league encounter at Arsenal this Sunday (October 27).