Premier League side Chelsea were interested in Tchouameni last summer, but instead plumped for Saul Niguez on loan - a decision which has reportedly left new Blues owner Boehly baffled.
By MAX MATHEWS, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 06:56 EDT, 21 September 2022 | Updated: 11:43 EDT, 21 September 2022
Todd Boehly reportedly questioned why Chelsea did not make an approach for Aurelien Tchouameni last summer as he faces the prospect of losing both N'Golo Kante and Jorginho on free transfers.
French midfielder Tchouameni moved to Real Madrid from Monaco this summer in a deal which could reach £88million.
Premier League side Chelsea were interested in Tchouameni last summer, but instead plumped for Saul Niguez on loan - a decision which has reportedly left new Blues owner Boehly baffled.
Todd Boehly questioned why Chelsea did not make an approach for Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports in Spain
The Premier League side considered a move for the French midfielder last summer, but opted against the move, reportedly unsure of his ability to contribute to the first team immediately
According to Spanish outlet Sport, the US tycoon - who replaced previous owner Roman Abramovich in May - is confused about why previous transfer chief Marina Granovskaia, who has since left, opted against the move.
The club reportedly had concerns about Tchouameni's ability to contribute to the first team straight away.
Niguez arrived on transfer deadline day from Atletico Madrid but failed to impress, only making 10 league appearances, mostly from the bench, and scoring one goal.
And new Blues owner Boehly has been left baffled by former transfer chief Marina Granovskaia's decision to pass up on Tchouameni and instead sign flop Saul Niguez on loan
Tchouameni, 22, is now impressing with Carlo Ancelotti's Los Blancos side, playing regularly at the base of the midfield for the Champions League holders and for World Cup winners France.
Boehly sanctioned a lavish summer of spending at Stamford Bridge, with more than £270m spent on new players including Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly.
But the club have issues in midfield, with N'Golo Kante, 31, and 30-year-old Jorginho both in the last year of their contracts.