Tiemoue Bakayoko is likely to not be at Stamford Bridge for far too long, with Chelsea now reportedly willing to sanction a loan move to AS Monaco.
According to The Sun and French publication Get French Football News, Chelsea have softened their stance on Tiemoue Bakayoko’s availability and are now prepared to let the midfielder go on loan to former club AS Monaco, with the Ligue 1 outfit looking to bring in a central midfielder before the summer transfer window ends.
AS Monaco’s priority is Franck Kessie, who could be out of their reach. AC Milan are prepared to let Kessie go for €25 million, a valuation that AS Monaco are more than happy to meet. But, the Ivorian’s wage demands are proving too much for the Ligue 1 outfit, which could see the deal fall through.
This is the reason why AS Monaco are also pursuing a season-long loan deal for Tiemoue Bakayoko. For one, Bakayoko is used to the surroundings at the club and has already proven his quality playing for the club earlier. Also, Bakayoko was part of the AS Monaco team that dethroned PSG and it would help Monaco’s dressing room morale to bring back the 25-year-old.
Chelsea though, were looking for either a more permanent solution or a more marketable situation. Frank Lampard has already hinted that Bakayoko does not form part of his plans at Stamford Bridge. But, Chelsea are looking for a permanent transfer for Bakayoko or a loan move to a club that plays European football for the 2019-20 season so that the midfielder’s market value can increase or be stable.
But, with Bakayoko and his agent pushing for an exit coupled with a lack of offers, Chelsea are now willing to let the 25-year-old on loan to AS Monaco. Leonardo Jardim persists with a 4-4-2, which means there are two slots in central midfield. Monaco have four midfield options for the two positions apart from the 17-year-old Enzo Millot.
Also, the two attacking midfielders Aleksandr Golovin and Gabriel Boschilia are also contenders for the same two spots. Even if Monaco do get Bakayoko, it is difficult to see the 25-year-old get regular playing time under Jardim, which could prove to be far from beneficial for both Bakayoko and Chelsea.
Still, if Bakayoko wants to complete the move, Chelsea are not willing to stand in his way.
