Chelsea Midfielder Dreams Of AC Milan Return After Loan Spell In France

Fabrizio Romano via Calcio Mercato is reporting that former AC Milan midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is keen to return to the club after his loan spell at Monaco this season. The Ligue 1 season has been cut short due to the coronavirus crisis hence his loan prematurely ended. There was an option for Monaco to buy him outright for 42 million euros but it seems unlikely for that to be exercised given the current atmosphere in the market. Chelsea looks extremely likely to offload the France international in the summer transfer window as he enters the fourth year of his five year contract with the club where he has barely featured. He was brought in for 40 million pounds in 2017 and has featured just 43 times for the London based club.

The report notes that Bakayoko has an excellent relationship with Milan’s fans for his strong performances under Gennaro Gattuso including a goal in the derby against Inter Milan and the player has a strong bond with his former teammates. The midfielder has even attended the derby this season watching from the stands. Milan are still in the market for midfield reinforcements and Bakayoko could be an option. The only issue would be his price tag and his age as the club attempt to enact a youth driven program. Bakayoko turns 26 this summer and it is unlikely Chelsea will go below 32-35 million euros for him. Sevilla are also very interested in the midfielder. Romano notes that the talks with Milan have stopped for the moment but cannot be ruled out given the player’s desire.