Chelsea aim for Monaco’s Claude Makelele-influenced midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko
By George Perry
The world’s richest clubs are circling AS Monaco, ready to raid the Ligue 1 and Champions League starlets at the first available opportunity. Chelsea may have struck the first serious move, negotiating personal terms with midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
AS Monaco’s success has drawn attention to their core of young, dynamic players. Tiemoue Bakayoko, Kylian Mbappe and Fabinho have propelled Monaco to the top of Ligue One and the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Monaco will likely not be able to build a long-term program around these talents. Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United all plan to dismantle Monaco through major transfer fees. SkySports’ Guillem Balague tweeted yesterday that Chelsea and Bakayoko agreed on the personal terms of a transfer. Now Chelsea just need to outbid anyone else for the French midfielder.
While Chelsea watchers debate whether N’Golo Kante is the next Claude Makelele or is something else entirely, Tiemoue Bakayoko has a direct tie to the former Blue. Makelele briefly worked at Monaco in early 2016. That was a key period in Bakayoko’s maturation as a footballer, which led to his emergence as a top player.
"[Makelele] told me that I had a tendency to get distracted. It was true. I took too many risks, but when you play in this position, you have to be calm and effective. He helped me channel myself. – ESPN FC"
Bakayoko is proving himself in the Champions League in Monaco’s surprise run, a key quality Chelsea desire. Bakayoko averages three tackles and 2.9 interceptions per game in the Champions League this season. He produces 2.2 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game in Ligue One.
Like many of his teammates, his role in Monaco’s thrashing of Manchester City increased his value and desirability. Chelsea will have surely seen how thoroughly he conducted himself against one of Chelsea’s top rivals, while also showing the adaptability necessary to compete in the Champions League.
Chelsea may view Bakayoko as a less expensive option to PSG’s Marco Verratti. Verratti has been in Chelsea’s rumour mill for some time, and would reinforce Chelsea’s midfield for years to come. However, even with the Oscar windfall and the potential sale of Diego Costa, Chelsea would not have much left over if they purchased both Romelu Lukaku and Verratti this summer.
Chelsea’s striker situation is more pressing than the midfield. Lewis Baker will return from loan and will likely be in the squad next season. Kante, Baker, Nathaniel Chalobah, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic cover nearly every possibility for Antonio Conte’s midfield. Marco Verratti may be overkill for what he would cost.
Chelsea could acquire Tiemoue Bakayoko for much less, freeing up money for other transfer needs. His transfer fee will hinge a lot on how Monaco completes their season. A Ligue One title or a deeper run into the Champions League will raise his value and Monaco’s reluctance to sell.
Next: Radja Nainggolan spoke with Chelsea, not ruling out move
Chelsea have a strong record of success bringing in players from Ligue One. The Blues signed Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma directly from France. N’Golo Kante came to Chelsea only one season removed from Ligue One, as well. Tiemoue Bakayoko could be the next in that progression.