Romano reveals Chelsea are close to loaning out 27-year-old Frenchman after contract extension

Transfer News: Chelsea getting closer to offloading Tiemoue Bakayoko

According to transfer news from Fabrizio Romano (h/t The Sun), Chelsea are close to resending Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan. A return to AC Milan is on the cards but Chelsea were cautious enough to renew his existing deal by another year before he heads out.

Tiemoue Bakayoko has had quite a fall from grace in the last four years. Once seen as a bright young talent at Monaco who was a part of their historic Ligue 1 title and Champions League run to the semis, Bakayoko has been hopping through clubs over the last three seasons or so after failing to make it at Chelsea.

Bakayoko joined Chelsea in 2017.
Bakayoko joined Chelsea in 2017.

It’s not the case that Bakayoko was not handed chances at Chelsea. However, he failed to produce even a glimmer of the previous form and in turn, his errors cost the club on some occasions. Following that, he was allowed to move to AC Milan, Monaco and Napoli on loan in the last few seasons.

It seems another loan spell is what Bakayoko will be getting and he will return to AC Milan for the same. Interest in Bakayoko was not half bad as multiple clubs wanted him but a deal with Milan is close after meetings. Chelsea extended his contract before letting him leave otherwise he would have been free to leave next season.

Bakayoko during his time AC Milan.
Tiemoue Bakayoko of Chelsea during his time AC Milan. (imago Images)

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A loan deal does take him off Chelsea’s hands but not permanently. A permanent sale would have lifted some burner off Chelsea’s shoulders given he is unlikely to make the cut at the club anymore as evident from his soon-to-be fourth loan spell.