PSG are reportedly interested in swooping Tiemoue Bakayoko away from Chelsea on loan in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by ESPN, PSG have entered the fray for Tiemoue Bakayoko. The French midfielder, who has also been linked with AC Milan, is the subject of talks between Chelsea and Les Parisiens over a possible loan deal, although the Blues would prefer selling him this summer.
Bakayoko joined Chelsea from AS Monaco on the back of a stunning 2016/17 season with AS Monaco, which saw the principality club win the Ligue 1 title and reach the Champions League semi-finals. Bakayoko had been one of the architects of that stupendous success, but has failed to make a mark at Chelsea.
After a horrendous maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge, the 26-year-old was shipped out on loan in each of the last two seasons, first to AC Milan then back to Monaco, each on season-long deals. While Bakayoko fared much better at each of those clubs, he does not feature in Frank Lampard’s plans for the season, which is why Chelsea are keen on offloading him this summer.
A move to AC Milan has been mooted for quite some time, with the Rossoneri eager to bring the French midfielder back to San Siro in order to continue their revival. Now, though, PSG have emerged as a possible suitor in the race to sign Bakayoko from Chelsea this summer.
The report claims that the French champions have already begun discussions with Chelsea over a possible summer transfer. The two clubs, though, are differing in their stance as far as the nature of the deal is concerned.
Chelsea want to sell the midfielder this summer in order to recoup some money after a heavy outlay on a number of signings. PSG, on the other hand, wish to initially sign Bakayoko on loan, with an option to buy him next summer, a prospect that the Blues are reluctant to agree to.
The interest from PSG does make sense, considering Bakayoko excelled on loan at AS Monaco last season. With Leandro Paredes facing an uncertain future at the club, the French international is a viable target at Parc des Princes, especially with Marquinhos seemingly back as a centre-back for good.
The report claims that PSG sporting director Leonardo is a huge fan of Bakayoko, having also signed him on loan while he was at AC Milan. However, the fact that Chelsea are adamant on selling the player could pour cold water on any possible summer transfer, for both PSG and Milan, who are at odds with Chelsea too, albeit for a lower asking price.
A £20 million valuation has previously been reported, but ESPN do not mention Chelsea’s asking price. The Blues’ stance is understandable since Bakayoko’s value could plummet next summer, when he will have just one year left on his deal. What now remains to be seen is if the 26-year-old does end up leaving Chelsea permanently this summer.
