Bakayoko wants to stay at AC Milan

Tiemoue Bakayoko is reluctant to return to Chelsea and has set his sights on a permanent stay with AC Milan.

The Frenchman has enjoyed an involved role in Gennaro Gattuso’s team this season after the Blues allowed him to leave on loan during the summer transfer window.

Bakayoko is a mainstay at Milan and is evidently enjoying his football. In an interview with RMC Sport, a news outlet in his homeland of France, he expressed his desire to remain at San Siro for the foreseeable future.

The midfielder said:

We’re waiting for the end of the season. I’m under contract with Chelsea, but I’m very happy at Milan and I’d like to continue with them.

It was difficult at the start, also because of the language. Today things are going much better, both on the field and in everyday life, and I’m very happy.

As for the future, the objective is to finish in the top four with Milan and have a surprise: a recall to the national team.

Chelsea are well stocked with midfield options following the permanent signing of Jorginho and the loan addition of Mateo Kovacic in the summer, but Bakayoko is due to return at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old joined the club in 2017 under Antonio Conte after shining for AS Monaco but endured a difficult maiden campaign in English football.

Whether or not Chelsea will deem him surplus to their requirements ahead of next season, however, remains unseen.