Ray Wilkins disappointed by potential Chelsea signing Tiemoue Bakayoko
Ray Wilkins feels that the seemingly inevitable signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko is ‘disappointing’ given that Chelsea already have Nathaniel Chalobah.
According to the latest reports, Chelsea are on the verge of closing a deal for Tiemoue Bakayoko. The AS Monaco midfielder is due to join the Blues for over £30 million and help spearhead an assault on the Champions League next season.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Blues man made clear his dismay at yet another young Blues star being snubbed in favour of imported talent.
"I was really disappointed to read they are looking at Bakayoko from Monaco.He is 22, French and doesn’t get near the national side, but it was quoted Chelsea might be paying £32m.Well, in Nathaniel they have a footballer who can play exactly the same but just needs an opportunity. – via Evening Standard"
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This is a sentiment echoed by many across the Blues world. The club have a notorious reputation for being absolutely garbage at giving young players a chance. Fans hoped that the attitude would change with the arrival of Antonio Conte, but it has largely stayed the course.
Chalobah was kept at Stamford Bridge last season, creating excitement at the prospect of him bleeding into the first team. He proceeded to make just one Premier League start.
With Bakayoko almost certain to join the Blues, Chalobah’s future looks bleak. In fact, there are already rumours suggesting that he will be loaned out this summer.
The Englishman has been widely touted as one of the club’s brightest youngsters, but he now risks seeing his potential left unfulfilled. At the age of 22, he needs regular football in a top quality league if he is to develop appropriately.
Chelsea’s packed 2017/18 schedule should present Conte with a chance to allow Chalobah regular game time. However, the arrival of Bakayoko just knocks the midfielder further down the pecking order. At this stage, it may in his best interest to permanently sever ties with the club.
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This is an all too familiar story for Chelsea fans and it is not getting any less frequent. Do you agree with Wilkins? Or is Bakayoko a much better player than Chalobah will ever be? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!