AC Milan intend to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko on a permanent deal at the end of the season. Meanwhile Chelsea have made a surprising swap proposal.
In the last days of the summer transfer window AC Milan signed Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan. Sporting director Leonardo was searching for a central midfielder but instead decided to bring in the 24 year old French defensive midfielder. After a difficult period of settling Bakayoko has become one of the most important Rossoneri players.
AC Milan have the option to make Bakayoko’s stay at San Siro permanent for a fee of 35 million euros. The Rossoneri had reportedly been granted a discount by Chelsea as part of the Higuain transfer to London. However, according to new reports, Chelsea have made a new proposal.
Il Corriere dello Sport reports that the Blues want to replace Bakayoko with Franck Kessie. Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri wants a new midfielder and has identified Kessie as the ideal profile. The 22 year old central midfielder of AC Milan is indispensable for coach Gennaro Gattuso. In many occasions Rino has publicly stated his admiration for the former Atalanta.
Chelsea has proposed an equal swap between Bakayoko and Kessie. The young Ivorian arrived at San Siro for a total fee of around 30 million euros two years ago. He has been an undisputed starter ever since but lately his performances have been a bit underwhelming.
Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie
Bakayoko and Kessie have been regulars together alongside Lucas Paqueta recently in a three man midfield. Tottenham are also very interested in Kessie while in January AC Milan rejected a 40 million euros offer from China. Considering the importance of Franck for Gattuso, Milan would hardly accept such a deal. Only an improved offer could tempt the Rossoneri to change their mind.
