Chelsea have reportedly advanced in their talks with Monaco over the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko from the French club.
The Blues boss Antonio Conte won the Premier League with an outstanding 93 points and with largely an inherited squad as N’Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso, David Liuz and Michy Batshuayi were his only signings.
But despite achieving that feat, the Italian manager is reportedly keen to strengthen his squad with six signings this summer and has reportedly been provided with enough “war-chest” to achieve that.
In the light of that, the Premier League champions are close to acquire their first summer signing as £42 million deal for Bakayoko is on the cards, according to the Independent.
Bakayoko was instrumental to Monaco’s clinching the Ligue 1 title and reaching the semi-final of the Champions League.
It is understood that Conte want the 22-year-old to partner Kante in the Blues’ midfield next season despite the consistency of Nemanja Matic in that position.
The deal would raise doubt over the future of Matic at the London club as that would mean limited game time for him and could see the Serbian international exit the Stamford Bridge.
And Man United is his possible destination as Jose Mourinho- who also want Monaco’s Fabinho – is keen on re-uniting with him at Old Trafford and personal terms are said to have been discussed.
Monaco will definitely struggle to keep their star players after their exploits both domestically and in Europe.
The French champions have already sold Bernardo Silva to Man City for £43 million.
Fabinho, Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Mendy are also top targets for big clubs across Europe.
