Chelsea are actively scouting Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this season.
The Athletic says Tchouameni is held in high regard by club chiefs at Stamford Bridge and he will reemerge as an option next summer.
Thomas Tuchel opted to bring in Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day, initially on a season-long loan but with the option to buy.
Chelsea were understood to be concerned that Tchouameni lacked the experience to make an instant impact, despite playing 91 times in Ligue 1 already.
The Blues will be among the clubs tracking his progress carefully this season, with Manchester United also holding an interest.
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