AC Milan have been very active in the transfer window so far. The Italians are likely to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko of Chelsea next.
Chelsea and AC Milan are among the most active clubs in the transfer market. The clubs have made some key additions to their squad lately. Chelsea are not yet done with their signings. But need to make room for new arrivals first. The Rossoneri may help the west Londoners with that as per reports.
Milan has made some additions to their squad in the last few days. They were able to pen down a deal with Sandro Tonali to bolster their midfield. And also made a contract extension with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But the Italian club wants to add more strength to their midfield. Hence, they are reportedly keen to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The Frenchman was thought to make a great impact at Stamford Bridge. But he was seen as an extra man even before Frank Lampard’s arrival. Bakayoko was away on loan last season at Monaco. There were earlier reports of the Frenchman making a permanent deal with Monaco. But the French club chose not to activate the buyout clause.
AC Milan on the other hand are still happy to sign him. Bakayoko made a season-long loan spell at Milan two seasons back. The Rossoneri have made contact with Chelsea yet again to buy him this summer.
Gianluca di Marzio reports that Milan may seal the deal in the coming days or even within hours. This will also help Chelsea as they have an abundance of stars in their squad. Lampard is keen to offload some stars this summer, also he can convert the transfer fee to fund his last couple of signings.
Bakayoko is a formidable midfield option
Though Lampard may feel that the Frenchman is surplus in his squad. He is a formidable midfield option for Milan. He was able to enjoy a great season at Serie A during his loan spell. Bakayoko was able to net a goal and provide two assists to Monaco last season as well.
Milan now adapts to a more defensive style of play and Bakayoko can be key to it. The defensive midfielder plays as an anchor in the midfield and keeps possession. The 26-year-old is also capable to net goals when he gets the chance. This will be a key factor for them to sign the Frenchman.
Also with Sandro Tonali to join soon, Bakayoko can cover the youngster. The transfer fee though will be a hurdle for Milan. Chelsea are reportedly demanding for a fee between €30-32m. Milan are looking to ease down the amount.
But Marina Granovskaia is a tough nut to crack during negotiations. Her reputation defines her skills to get the right bits when it comes to money matters of Chelsea. Hence, Milan will have to pay up the asking price to seal the deal.
Negotiations are tough
The Rossoneri have been busy in the market and look for a cut-price deal. With Sandro Tonali to join their midfield soon. Adding Bakayoko to the lineup will complete the puzzle for Milan. But they will have to pay the asking amount upfront to the Blues.
Chelsea are reportedly on the brink of sealing a deal with Bayer Leverkusen. Lampard may soon get his dream target in the Chelsea colors. Marina Granovskaia will hence look to get every penny she can from player sales. With many top signings coming in this summer, the Blues have already spent £150m surplus on new recruits.
Kai Havertz is likely to arrive on a £70m deal with Chelsea having to meet £90m on add-ons. Hence, Chelsea chiefs will encourage more player sales to keep the financial balance. Lampard has already made a loss of a player he wants to part ways with. Bakayoko is also the name of the shipping list. So Milan may not be able to cut down as much as they think from the asking price.
