Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
According to the Italian publication La Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t The Sun), Chelsea have reached a gentleman’s agreement to sell Tiemoue Bakayoko to Napoli.
The Frenchman joined Chelsea in the summer of 2017 from Monaco. He made 43 appearances for the Blues that season, scoring three goals. He has since spent time out on loan. Stints at AC Milan and Monaco proved to be promising but eventually underwhelming.
The midfielder joined Napoli on loan in October. He has quickly become an integral part of their title push. Napoli are currenly third in Serie A, three points off AC Milan at the top.
Impressing under Gennaro Gattuso, Bakayoko looks set to extend his stay in Naples. According to the report, the Italians did not agree on a fee for the 26-year-old when signing him from Chelsea.
The two clubs have now reached an agreement in principle over a £16million move in the upcoming summer.
It should bring an end to what has been a difficult spell for the Frenchman in London. Bakayoko has struggled to make an impact and the club has only been too happy to loan him out.
Napoli reportedly want to renew Gattuso’s contract to 2023 before they complete the Bakayoko deal. Bakayoko is said to be loving his time in Naples and is leading a lifestyle reminiscent of the one he enjoyed at Monaco earlier in his career.
Gattuso too has preferred to use the player regularly and has a high opinion of his abilities. Bakayoko appears to have a chance to resurrect his career in Italy. A permanent move will be best for all parties involved.
Given his limited future at the club, it makes sense for us to cut our losses and move him on.
The Blues are building an exciting young team under Frank Lampard. The proceeds from selling Bakayoko will help us strengthen further.
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