It is one of those transfer windows where London side Chelsea have remained largely silent. While the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and even Everton have kicked off their transfer campaign, the Blues are yet to make any statement despite winning the Premier League. This has already spurred rumours of their Italian manager being unsatisfied with the reluctant start.
It either indicates towards a quiet season, which is not one of Chelsea’s traits, or a flurry of arrivals. And if reports are to be believed then chances of the latter happening are more. The Blues are apparently preparing a mammoth bid for Ligue 1’s latest revelation Tiemoue Bakayoko. With midfielder Nemanja Matic a possible departure from Stamford Bridge this summer, Conte would need reinforcements alongside N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas in the midfield.
With four tournaments to challenge for next season, Chelsea would want to have as many backups as possible before they go into the preseason tour. And strengthening their midfield would be the top priority. Conte had mostly used three players in the central midfield last season, and now with more fixtures to play, the Italian would need fresh legs every week.
And Bakayoko could be a perfect addition to the side given the phenomenal performance he has produced for the new Ligue 1 Champions AS Monaco. The 22-year-old French international has been a key figure for the French side shouldering the heavy responsibility of a smooth transition of their defence to attack.
His huge physique in the middle of the park would be advantageous for any side, as he wins almost all the aerial duels and uses his strength brilliantly to hold the ball under the most pressure situations. He was the engine to Monaco’s squad last season playing all the 51 games for Leonardo Jardim in all competitions.
Monaco are more than unwilling to let go of their star player, which is clearly indicated by their pricing him at a staggering £43 million. But given Chelsea’s desperate need for such an addition, the London side is expected to go all out for him. And any such possibility of that happening was further boosted by Monaco’s decision to sign Anderlecht’s star player Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian playmaker, who has won the Belgian Pro Player of the Year, is touted as the next big thing in Europe, and his arrival definitely sees a hit to Bakayoko’s pace under Jardim. And with reports emerging of Chelsea coming back with an improved bid of £55 million for him, a move is just days away.
