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The youngster has been raising eyebrows across Europe, but Thomas Tuchel has more pressing matters to deal with.

Chelsea have identified three key areas to work on in the next two transfer windows and are increasingly interested in a move for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

They are currently running in-depth scouting on the 21-year-old, including analysing his attitude and personal life, ahead of a possible bid in the summer transfer window.

However, they are also keen on West Ham's Declan Rice and likely will not sign both midfielders due to Thomas Tuchel's support for integrating Conor Gallagher – currently on loan at Crystal Palace – into the squad.

What transfers could happen in January?

With midfielders and centre-backs seen as longer-term issues, the Blues are more concerned in the short term about their wing-back situation.

As first revealed by GOAL, Ben Chilwell has had surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Reece James is out for at least five more weeks, leaving Tuchel looking to Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic to fill in in the interim.

Everton's Lucas Digne is an option for Chelsea, but they are first attempting to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan with Lyon.

Tuchel prefers Emerson, having coached him last season, and been impressed with his attitude, application and ability.