Chelsea on cusp of first summer signing

AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is reportedly nearing a switch to Chelsea ahead of this summer’s transfer window. The 22-year-old is desperate for a switch to England with the Premier League holders.

French publication L’Equipe suggests that the midfield anchorman is enthusiastic about working alongside Antonio Conte, who is eager to propel the Blues to greater heights in the next campaign.

Bakayoko was a key contributor at the centre of the park for Monaco last term, and this provided them the impetus to push ahead and end Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in Ligue 1.

The Principality outfit have already lost midfielder Bernardo Silva to Manchester City this summer, and there could be several more departures with Bakayoko among others including Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibe lining up moves away from Stade Louis II.

Bakayoko has also received transfer interest from Manchester United, but L’Equipe suggests that it is the Blues, who are in the front seat after having finalised a £35m deal with Monaco.

The former Rennes man will likely add more robustness and steel in the Blues midfield, which has been lacking with the presence of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic.

N’Golo Kante had performed the shielding duties with ease during the previous campaign, but even he requires additional support, which he did not receive during the 2-1 FA Cup final loss to Arsenal last month.

Matic looks the most likely to face the axe this summer with Conte likely to keep hold of Fabregas, who could be deployed further up the field owing to his creativity and long-range passing.

The Serbia international is the subject of interest from Juventus and Manchester United, and a move could be on the cards this summer with Conte unlikely to guarantee him regular playing time for another season.

Bakayoko had appeared at every youth level for France before earning his debut for Didier Deschamp’s side against Spain in an international friendly in March.

Image – Getty