The European summer transfer window is set to shut on September 2nd, and Chelsea could lose a player as Tiémoué Bakayoko, who has had a disastrous spell with the club, might depart.
The French midfielder has not been a part of any of Frank Lampard’s squads in the four games that they have played this season so far.
According to RMC Sport (via Get French Football News), the 25-year-old, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan, could return to AS Monaco – the club where he made a name for himself.
The report states that Monaco want a central midfielder before the transfer window shuts, and have shortlisted AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessié as their primary target, while Bakayoko could be another option, but Monaco may want to bring him on loan.
Bakayoko played three seasons for AS Monaco between 2014 and 2017, before playing one season for Chelsea. It doesn’t look like he is in Lampard’s plans, so a move is very likely.
Should Chelsea sell Bakayoko?
Bakayoko did not live up to expectations in his first and only season at Chelsea, and seems to be heading for the exit door. The French midfielder is different to the other central midfielders that are present in the Chelsea squad, but it seems that he is not good enough to replace any of the three first-choice central midfielders at the club.
The Blues must sell the former AS Monaco midfielder if Lampard does not have any plans for him, as they will need to recoup the transfer fee paid for him, while also clearing out fringe players to add players in other positions in the near future.
Lampard has several options to choose from in midfield, with the trio of Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, and N’Golo Kanté his first-choice options, while the likes of Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are backup options for the Chelsea manager.
Young Mason Mount can also play in a central midfield role if he is required. Bakayoko is on big wages and if they do sell, Chelsea will make decent money to fund other transfers next summer, when their ban will end.