Report: Chelsea eyeing Rice alternative

Chelsea are scouting Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of the summer as a potential alternative to Declan Rice, according to Goal.

The Blues have long been linked with a move to sign the Hammers ace but it appears that they could now move for the Frenchman instead as Thomas Tuchel begins to draw up plans for the summer.

The report claims that the club do still have an interest in signing Rice but that they will not buy both players, because Tuchel wants to bring Conor Gallagher back into the fold after his excellent loan spell at Crystal Palace.

Chelsea are said to be scouting Tchouameni intensely, while also analysing his personal life and his attitude.

The Monaco star has emerged as a first-choice player during his time with the French club, making 73 appearances for them and also winning seven senior caps for France as he develops into a top central midfielder.

He may well become the main target over Rice in the summer.