Out-of-favour Chelsea midfield star takes decision on future amid Italy interest

Transfer News: Chelsea outcast Tiemoue Bakayoko wants AC Milan move

According to transfer news from Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (h/t Daily Star), Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has decided that he wants to leave the club this summer and join AC Milan.

Bakayoko arrived at Chelsea from French club AS Monaco in the summer of 2017. However, after enduring a difficult first season in England, the midfielder joined AC Milan on loan for the 2018/19 term.

Bakayoko then spent the 2019/20 campaign on a temporary spell back at his former club AS Monaco. The last summer transfer window saw the French international return to Italy, this time signing for Napoli on a season-long loan deal.

Bakayoko has done well at Napoli
Bakayoko spent the last season on loan at Napoli

Even though the Partenopei had ups and downs over the course of the season, Bakayoko had a positive campaign in Napoli. Now back at Chelsea, the midfielder is in the final year of his contract.

While it was widely expected that the ex-AS Monaco star would be on the move, Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Mirror) claimed earlier this month that manager Thomas Tuchel had blocked an exit as he sought to reintegrate him into the first-team at Chelsea and give him another chance.

But, it seems like Bakayoko has no such desires. Indeed, as per the aforementioned report, the Frenchman has decided that he wants out from Chelsea this summer. The 26-year-old, it is said, is intent on returning to AC Milan, where he previously spent time on loan.

Bakayoko wants a return to AC Milan (imago Images)
Bakayoko wants a return to AC Milan (imago Images)

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However, a move could be tricky to achieve as AC Milan are in a bit of a financial muddle and are looking to balance their books. With the situation being as it is, it remains to be seen if they can afford a move for Bakayoko.

As for Chelsea, with the midfielder keen on leaving, it would be best in the club’s interest to cash in on him. Given his contract situation, this would also be the Blues’ last chance to recoup some fee for the Frenchman.