According to RMC Sport, Arsenal are interested in the services of Tiemoue Bakayoko this summer. The Chelsea midfielder has returned to Stamford Bridge after a loan spell at AC Milan and has courted the interest of Unai Emery, who is keen to bolster his midfield department in the ongoing summer transfer window. However, the Gunners could face stiff competition from Bakayoko’s hometown club, Paris Saint-Germain.
Bakayoko’s revival at Milan
Bakayoko initially moved to the Premier League back in 2017 in a €40 million move from AS Monaco. However, the Frenchman endured a disastrous debut campaign at the club and was loaned out to AC Milan the following summer. And it is at Milan, where the midfielder has managed to regain his old form, putting in a series of consistent displays under Gennaro Gattuso last season.
The 24-year-old made 31 league appearances for the Rossoneri, during which he scored one goal and provided one assist. But, it was his service in the holding midfield role that helped the Serie A giants, finish the league in fifth place, although they did miss out on Champions League and was later excluded from the Europa League for next season.
Where does Bakayoko fit in at Arsenal?
Bakayoko is simply a midfield enforcer, who can be an excellent alternative to Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international has struggled with form during his time at Emirates. The Chelsea star will, therefore, provide Emery with additional options in midfield.
His ability to disrupt the flow of the opposition coupled with his physical and aerial prowess, will also provide an extra dimension to the Arsenal midfield that has suffered a massive blow with the departure of Aaron Ramsey.
Bakayoko can form the double pivot alongside Lucas Torreira in case of a 4-2-3-1. Alternatively, he can also sit in as the lone holding midfielder and offer protection to the backline. And at the age of 24, Frenchman could be an excellent long-term investment for the Gunners.
But, PSG’s interest could complicate things
Arsenal’s pursuit of Bakayoko will be hugely troubled by the emergence of PSG’s interest in the midfielder. The club’s previous sporting director, Leanardo Araujo, who previously worked with Bakayoko in Milan, is keen to bring the midfielder to Parc des Princes this summer.
Bakayoko, too, is believed to be a huge admirer of the PSG sporting director and could fancy a move to his hometown club, where he can also be presented with the opportunity of regularly playing in the UEFA Champions League. Hence, it is unlikely that the North London giants will able to sign this Chelsea star this summer.
