Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is on the verge of completing a return to AC Milan on a loan deal, with an option to buy next summer.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan are closing in on the capture of yet another Chelsea player in Tiemoue Bakoyoko. The two clubs are in talks over a potential loan deal with an option to buy clause that can be activated next summer.
The negotiations are currently in advanced stages, with Chelsea giving Bakayoko the green light to leave Stamford Bridge. The deal could soon be officiated as only the final few details need to be settled.
Subject to completion, Bakayoko could become the third Chelsea player to join Milan this summer. The Rossoneri had earlier secured to deal to sign Fikayo Tomori for a fee of €28 million while Olivier Giroud joined the Serie A club for a reported fee of just €1 million.
Formerly of Rennes, Bakayoko had played for Milan during his season-long loan deal back in the 2018/19 campaign. The Frenchman had made a decent impact as well, featuring in 31 games in Serie A and helping the club finish fifth in the league table. He later had loan spells at Napoli and his former club AS Monaco, having failed to make an impression at Chelsea.
Milan’s desire to re-sign Bakayoko perhaps stems from the uncertain future of top midfielder Franck Kessie. The Ivorian has attracted a lot of interest across Europe following his consistent performances in recent years, with even Real Madrid reportedly eyeing a summer transfer.
The Rossoneri have not had much luck extending the contract of Kessie. Club chief Paolo Maldini is open to cashing in on the midfielder if he refuses to lower his demands, despite the fact that the player remains interested in staying at San Siro.
Bakayoko, who had played alongside Kessie during his initial spell at Milan, should be an excellent replacement for the Ivorian international. As for Chelsea, the Frenchman’s move could offer them some financial boost while helping Thomas Tuchel further thin out the squad.
The German tactician, after all, is still interested in completing a late swoop for Atletico Madrid superstar Saul Niguez in an attempt to further strengthen his midfield department. The departure of the former Monaco star could thus be vital, though Chelsea may also have to offload other unwanted players like Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater.
