Chelsea will open negotiations with AS Monaco this week about the transfer of Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to Daily Mail.
Discussions have already been made with the star’s representatives, but Chelsea are now ready to make formal inquiries and launch a bid.
Chelsea are acting swiftly after the 22-year-old midfielder, who is from Paris, claimed that he ‘can’t’ leave Monaco for Paris Saint-Germain.
Various teams are on alert after the Frenchman ruled out a move to Paris, including Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, it is likely that if the Frenchman leaves Monaco, he will prefer a move to Premier League champions Chelsea.
Chelsea are expected to offer £40million for the midfielder and are the favourites to secure his services.
Bakayoko is a strong defensive midfielder, who can also get forward and always has an eye for a pass. He scored twice in Ligue 1 this season on the road to Monaco becoming French champions.
He is not a regular goalscorer, but he provides fantastic cover for the defenders behind him and with his athleticism and strength, very few players successfully beat him to the ball.
Bakayoko also played a key role in Monaco’s wonderful Champions League campaign which ended in the semi-final against Juventus.
