Tottenham could spoil Chelseas £42m transfer plans in January deal affecting four players

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Tottenham Hotspur could scupper Chelsea’s midfield transfer plans via the notorious domino effect by helping Juventus make space for AS Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni. Antonio Conte is eyeing a move for Weston McKennie, one of a few players Juve are keen to offload.

Chelsea have been linked with Tchouameni since the summer, but they are among other European heavyweights monitoring his situation.

Eurosport report the Blues are looking to secure a deal for Tchouameni in January, even if he doesn’t join until the end of the season.

But Juventus are another club vying for the highly-rated 21-year-old’s services, but must first raise funds by clearing current players from the wage bill.

According to Calciomercato, Juve attempted to sign Tchouameni in the summer but couldn’t meet his £41.2million (€50m) valuation.

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However, the Old Lady still ‘dream’ of the France international, but along with Monaco’s asking price, they have another dilemma.

Juventus need to offload current players whose salaries outweigh their importance to Massimiliano Allegri’s plans, including Arthur and Aaron Ramsey.

Another Calciomercato report claims Juve are keen to sell McKennie, whose departure would also free up room for Tchouameni’s arrival.

And Tottenham have been touted as suitors set to make a move for the 23-year-old in January.

Antonio Conte is said to have tasked Fabio Paratici with finding midfielders who fit the functional profile for his style.

With Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele’s futures uncertain, on top of Dele Alli’s likely exit, McKennie has been identified as a target.

The report states Juventus wouldn’t let the USMNT international leave for less than £23.5m (€30m).

But that presents an affordable fee for a player worth pursuing if Conte believes he will improve his midfield options.

If Juventus manage to offload McKennie, Arthur and Ramsey, currently linked with Newcastle United, the door will open for Tchouameni.

But Thomas Tuchel will want to bolster his midfield himself, given Saul Niguez’s failed loan move and injury issues among his other options.

Even when fit, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are 30, and Mateo Kovacic is 27, so the German boss is understandably looking to bring the average age down.

Chelsea will have Conor Gallagher next season, and he’ll be a serious option if he continues his electric form on loan at Crystal Palace.

But the Blues are firmly set on securing Tchouameni and will hope Tottenham’s actions won’t lead to them missing out.

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