AC Milan are reportedly closing in on the capture of Tiemoue Bakayoko as the midfielder seeks to end his Chelsea nightmare.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, as relayed by The Sun, AC Milan are in pole position to secure the services of Tiemoue Bakayoko. The Chelsea star is tipped to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after failing to establish himself in the Premier League.
After two loan spells at AC Milan and AS Monaco, the Blues are now prepared to offload Bakayoko permanently. However, the Rossoneri prefer a loan move with an option to buy for around £20 million, perhaps in the fear that the player might struggle under Stefano Pioli.
The Italian tactician, however, has been one of the most successful coaches in Serie A after replacing Marco Giampaolo. AC Milan have shown great improvement during his reign and have emerged as one of the best performing teams in Italy.
The club has appeared quite active in the transfer market as well, having most recently secured the services of Real Madrid ace Brahim Diaz on loan. They are also expected to sign Sandro Tonali, who was courted by Manchester United at the end of last month.
As for Chelsea, their desire to sell Bakayoko permanently this summer makes sense. His departure from Stamford Bridge should free up the wage bill, eventually serving as a financial boost for the club.
The Blues have been the most active team in the transfer market this summer, bagging the services of a bunch of top players including Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell.
Kai Havertz has become the latest player to arrive at Stamford Bridge. However, an initial £62 million transfer fee plus £8 million in add-ons for the German international would have hit Chelsea’s finances hard. So the club needs to get rid of their fringe players.
Ageing attackers Willian and Pedro both left the club earlier in the summer and it seeks Bakayoko could be next. The Frenchman has played in AC Milan before and in Franck Kessie, he will have a midfield partner who has played with him in the past, giving the Chelsea star a familiar setting.
Bakayoko’s work ethic and experience are ideal for Pioli’s new project at Milan, who themselves are keen on signing a proper replacement for Lucas Biglia. Hence, this transfer could bode well for all parties involved.
