Chelsea have moved a step closer to making their first signing of the summer after agreeing a £35m deal with Monaco for Tiemoue Bakayoko, claims Tuttomercato.
Bakayoko has been one of the star performers for a flying Monaco outfit this season and his form has even been good enough to earn a call-up to the France senior squad this month, albeit due to injury to Paul Pogba.
Chelsea have been monitoring the Frenchman’s progress all season and it emerged last week that Antonio Conte’s side had reached personal terms with the midfielder on a five-year deal.
The Premier League champions-elect were expected to face competition from Manchester United for his signature but appear to have edged out their rivals to make a significant stride in the transfer market before the current season has even finished.
Only Benjamin Andre (179) and Julien Feret (166) have won possession in the midfield third of the pitch in Ligue 1 more times than Bakayoko (132) this season.
For more stats on Tiemoue Bakayoko, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
