Chelsea In Talks To Sign £43m Frenchman Which Could See Star Join Man Utd

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 are in talks to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko….

Chelsea are in talks to sign Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko in a deal which could lead to Nemanja Matic joining Manchester United, according to a report in the Express.

Bakayoko has been a revelation since joining Monaco from Rennes in 2014 with midfielder playing a key role in helping Leonardo Jardim’s side win the Ligue 1 title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

The 22-year-old’s stunning form led to interest from England with the Mirror carrying a report from LE10 Sport earlier this month that claimed Chelsea and Manchester United were battling for his signature.

It soon became apparent that Chelsea were leading the race with the Telegraph reporting earlier this month that Chelsea were prepared to open talks with Monaco over a potential £43m deal to sign Bakayoko this summer.

It seems the Blues have now made their move as the Express are citing a report from the Independent that claims Chelsea have now opened negotiations with the French champions after Antonio Conte identified Bakayoko as the man to add more dynamism to his midfield.

Conte has just led Chelsea to their fifth Premier League title in his first season in charge but the Italian coach knows he needs to further strengthen his squad if the Blues are to challenge on all fronts next season.

Monaco have been keen to keep Bakayoko but they may now be resigned to losing him as he’s refused to sign a new contract so a switch to Stamford Bridge could be on the cards.

If so, the French international will form an exciting partnership alongside compatriot N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park but Bakayoko’s arrival will cast doubt over the future of Matic.

The Serbian international has been linked with a move away from west London this summer and the Express suggest that Matic could head to Man Utd once Bakayoko’s deal is concluded.

Jose Mourinho was the man to re-sign Matic during his time at Chelsea in 2014 and the 28-year-old played a vital role in helping the Londoners win the title that season.

The Express claim that Mourinho is keen to lure Matic to Old Trafford and that personal terms have already been discussed between the midfielder and United officials.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Mourinho needs to find a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick and Matic could prove to be the perfect foil alongside Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba next season.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would be willing to do business with United but they did sell Juan Mata to their rivals in 2014 so they may decide to cash-in on Matic if the price is right.