Chelsea In Talks To Sign £39m Midfielder After Seeing Opening Bid Rejected

Managers are now pressing ahead with their plans for the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Chelsea remain in talks over Tiemoue Bakayoko….

Chelsea are struggling to agree terms with Monaco over £39m-rated midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko after seeing their opening £26m bid rejected, according to the Express.

Bakayoko has developed in to one of the best central midfielders in Europe since joining Monaco from Rennes three years ago and he played a starring role as the French outfit won their first Ligue 1 title since 2000.

The 22-year-old’s superb form attracted interest from the Premier League with the Express claiming that both Chelsea and Manchester United expressed their interest in signing him this summer.

Chelsea emerged as the front-runners after Bakayoko opted for a move to Stamford Bridge but the switch has stalled as the two clubs are struggling to agree terms over a deal.

The Express cite a report from L’Equipe that claims Chelsea have seen their opening £26m offer rejected as Monaco are holding out for a fee nearer £39m for the midfielder.

The two clubs remains in negotiations but so far they are miles apart on their valuations so Bakayoko’s proposed move to West London is no closer to becoming a reality.

Antonio Conte led Chelsea to their fifth Premier League title in his first season in charge but the Italian is keen to further strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

However, Conte has so far been been frustrated in his attempts to sign his prime transfer targets such as Bakayoko and it’s led to speculation that he’s unsettled – something the club categorically deny.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news

We’ll have to wait and see whether Chelsea can find a breakthrough and reach an agreement with Monaco but I think Bakayoko would be a superb signing if they could get a deal agreed.