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Khephren Thuram: Potential destinations for Nice star

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Lillian Thuram has done a pretty good job, hasn't he?

The 1998 World Cup winner enjoyed a stellar career at the highest level and has seemingly paved the way for his two sons to embark on blossoming careers of their own.

The older of the two, Marcus, was a penalty shootout away from becoming a World Cup winner himself in 2022 having broken out in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach. A big move beckons for the soon-to-be free agent.

Then there's Khephren, three years Marcus' junior and seemingly ready to make the big leap after breaking out as a 17-year-old at Monaco. The physically imposing midfielder has made great strides over the past couple of years at Nice, and here are several clubs that could potentially sign the £60m-rated star this summer.


1. Liverpool

Juergen Klopp
Liverpool are the frontrunners for Thuram's signature / Michael Steele/GettyImages

Liverpool's desire to rebuild their midfield this summer is hardly a secret and it appears they'll soon announce the signing of Brighton star and World Cup hero Alexis Mac Allister.

However, after pivoting from Jude Bellingham, the Reds are set to make multiple signings to bolster their engine room and another possibility is Nice's Thuram.

90min understands Liverpool have opened talks with Thuram's representatives, but he has also said publicly he's happy in France. Nevertheless, the allure of working with Jurgen Klopp could tempt the French midfielder into a move if the Reds were to make a serious pursuit this summer.


2. Arsenal

Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka is expected to leave Arsenal this summer / Catherine Ivill/GettyImages

Arsenal's midfield refresh will be key in determining just how far they can go in their pursuit of Man City's crown next season. Granit Xhaka is set to depart after an excellent campaign and the club currently has their sights set on the likes of Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Ilkay Gundogan.

However, there have been several occasions in recent windows when Edu Gaspar failed to land the Gunners' primary target - think Lisandro Martinez and Mykhailo Mudryk. The Brazilian then pivoted to Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard in those respective cases and both players have gone on to excel at the Emirates.

Should Arsenal's pursuit of Rice go astray, a potential alternative who hasn't been discussed as a target is Thuram. Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly appreciate the Frenchman's ball-winning capabilities and ability to play various midfield roles.


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3. Newcastle

FBL-ENG-PR-NEWCASTLE-BRIGHTON
Newcastle need greater depth in midfield / OLI SCARFF/GettyImages

While Liverpool are the current frontrunners for Thuram's signature, Newcastle have also been linked with a move.

The Magpies' financial might and guarantee of Champions League Football make them an attractive proposition for players this summer.

Newcastle's midfield played a crucial role in the club's stellar season, but Eddie Howe requires depth in his engine room if his side are to successfully comPete on multiple fronts. The manager is also said to be keen on moving Bruno Guimaraes into a more advanced position which could open the door for a starting six to arrive this summer.

Thuram certainly has the capacity to perform a more disciplined positional role.


4. Chelsea

N'Golo Kante
Chelsea are set to lose N'Golo Kante to the emerging Saudi frontier / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Chelsea could lose Mateo Kovacic to Man City and N'Golo Kante to the emerging Saudi frontier this summer after allowing Jorginho to leave for London rivals Arsenal in January.

The Blues' midfield is bound to look a whole lot different under Mauricio Pochettino in 2023/24, with Enzo Fernandez the only guarantee.

Manuel Ugarte was of interest before Paris Saint-Germain took control of the race and Moises Caicedo could be pursued should Arsenal not get there first. However, Pochettino may well be intrigued by Thuram, who has drawn comparisons to Mousa Dembele, the lynchpin of Poch's Spurs, with his ability to glide past opponents with ease.

Chelsea are evidently in the market for an aggressive and energetic ball-winner akin to Kante, and Thuram certainly fits the bill.


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On this week's edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Ange Postecoglou's appointment at Spurs, Man Utd chasing Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Kane to Real Madrid, Lionel Messi & more!

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