Chelsea have agreed a £40million deal with Monaco for midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko as they close in on their second big-money signing of the week, according to a reliable journalist.
Mohamed Bouhafsi, the chief football editor for French media outlet RMC Sport, revealed that the 22-year-old would be attending a medical with the London club on Friday.
The French journalist stated on his official Twitter account that Antonio Conte’s side had reached an agreement with the Ligue 1 outfit, and that the defensive midfielder would pen his signature following the medical.
Bouhafsi revealed the news on Twitter, and posted the message to his 200,000 followers on Wednesday evening.
? #Chelsea have reached an agreement with AS Monaco to sign Tiemoue #Bakayoko. £40M, medical and signature Friday.
— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) July 12, 2017
The news follows a turbulent week of speculation and rumours surrounding the French international’s future, as the playmaker has been strongly linked with Manchester United.
His imminent arrival comes four days after Chelsea announced the capture of defender Antonio Rudiger, who has signed for a reported £34million.
The Daily Star previously reported that Jose Mourinho had hijacked Bakayoko’s Chelsea move as United had reportedly agreed at £35 million deal for the star.
The young Frenchman joined Monaco from Stade Rennais in 2014 for a fee close to £7 million and has impressed during his three years at the club.
Bakayoko had a particularly successful 2016/17 season with the Monaco as he played a crucial part in securing the Ligue 1 title for his club.
The 22-year-old made a total of 51 appearances across all competitions where he scored three goals and provided a single assist, and his efforts led to a call-up to his first international performance in March this year.
With current defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic linked with an exit, Conte will be hoping that Bakayoko can step into his role and help Chelsea retain their Premier League title.