News outlets are reporting that Tiemoue Bakayoko will be taking a physical of Chelsea next week. This is fueling speculation that the deal to send the French international from Monaco to Stamford Bridge is done and dusted.
However, there have been no announcements for Chelsea or Monaco. The Evening Standard is reporting that Chelsea representatives will be meeting with Bakayoko to discuss personal terms. They also say that a transfer fee has not been agreed upon. The number that has been reported is $44.5M.
Bakayoko has been Antonio Conte’s number one transfer target this summer, so getting him could open up the signing of other players. It has been reported that Conte wants to sign six players in this transfer window to strengthen his squad as the head into Champions League competition.
The arrival of Bakayoko will certainly mean the departure of Nemanja Matic. He has been rumored to be headed to Manchester United to reunite with Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea has been linked to some of the top players in the world this transfer season but has yet to close one deal. They need this signing not only to strengthen their team but to calm the nerves of fans who fear they will leave it to the last minute and be scrambling to sign any player.