Sevilla are reportedly eyeing a winter move for AC Milan midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who is expected to return to Chelsea in January.
According to a report from Sport, Sevilla have set their sights on Tiemoue Bakayoko. The La Liga giants are currently in the market for a new holding midfielder in case they fail to extend the contract of Fernando Reges. Their search has led them towards Bakayoko, who is currently on loan from Chelsea at AC Milan.
However, the Rossoneri are not too keen on keeping hold of the Frenchman and may terminate his loan deal in January. Chelsea themselves are looking for a buyer for the ex-AS Monaco midfielder, thus putting Sevilla on red alert.
The Nervionenses are enjoying a brilliant start to the season so far, under the leadership of Julen Lopetegui. With 37 points from just 17 matches, they are Real Madrid’s prime competitors in the La Liga title race. And one of the pivotal figures behind their success has been Fernando Reges, a midfield workhorse who has offered excellent cover for the backline.
However, the Brazilian’s contract expires at the end of the season. Although the player is open to extending his deal in Seville, he is holding out for a two-year contract, which is not ideal for the Spanish giants. As such, Lopetegui is now targeting a move for Chelsea loanee Bakayoko as his desired alternative.
The French international is not among the most accomplished players in Europe. And barring his failure at Chelsea, the midfielder has enjoyed a flourishing career, with a combined total of over 200 league appearances during his time in England, Italy and France.
Bakayoko’s experience at the highest level of football, coupled with his defensive work rate, makes him an appealing target for Lopetegui. Although the Spanish tactician already has one midfield workhorse in the form of Thomas Delaney, Bakayoko offers better security in the defensive side of the game.
The 27-year-old, though, has endured a difficult start to the season upon his return to Milan in the summer. The Chelsea midfielder has featured in just over 250 minutes of league football, falling behind the likes of Ismael Bennacer, Sandro Tonali and Franck Kessie in the pecking order.
His fortunes may change should Kessie leave in January, especially amid interest from Tottenham and Manchester United. However, it appears Milan intend to move on. It opens up an avenue for Bakayoko to join Sevilla and embrace a new challenge in La Liga.
The Chelsea midfielder has already plied his trade in England, Italy and France, so he will certainly relish the opportunity to help Los Nervionenses fight for the La Liga title during the second half of the campaign.
