AC Milan ‘close in on agreement to re-sign Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan as Chelsea include option to buy French exile’ after nightmare spell at Stamford Bridge
- AC Milan are closing in on a second loan swoop for Chelsea’s Tiemoue Bakayoko
- The Frenchman has not featured for the Blues since the 2017-18 campaign
- Bakayoko, 27, spent a season on loan at Milan and has long eyed a return
- The loan move will include an option to buy Bakayoko permanently next summer
Tiemoue Bakayoko is reportedly close to returning to AC Milan for a second loan spell as the Chelsea misfit’s representatives touch down in Italy to thrash out an agreement over his return.
The 27-year-old midfielder has not played a competitive game for the Blues since the 2017-18 season and has spent the last three years on loan at the Rossoneri, Monaco and, most recently, Napoli.
Bakayoko made 42 appearances for Milan in the 2018-19 campaign and has long been eyeing a return to the San Siro.
Tiemoue Bakayoko is reportedly closing in on a second loan switch to AC Milan this summer
And according to reports in Italy, the Frenchman’s representatives are in Milan as he closes in on a reunion with the club for a second loan spell, with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Chelsea had been at risk of losing Bakayoko for free next summer upon the expiration of his contract, but various reports suggest the Blues have triggered an automatic contract extension, furthering his deal by one year.
A similar move was made for Olivier Giroud, with the striker set to leave on a free this summer the European champions triggered the extension, forcing Milan to pay £1million for his services.
The 27-year-old has not played a competitive game for Chelsea since the 2017-18 season
Bakayoko’s second loan move to Milan will reportedly include an option to buy the midfielder
Chelsea and Milan have a strong history of transfers, with both Giroud and Fikayo Tomori joining the Italians permanently this summer.
Milan have turned to Bakayoko as a result of an injury picked up by Franck Kessie, who will be out for at least a month in a blow to Stefano Pioli’s side.
The Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for January, will also mean that Kessie and Ismael Bennacer will be absent during the competition, making Bakayoko’s arrival all the more important.
Meanwhile, Pietro Pellegri is on the verge of completing a loan switch to Milan from Monaco, with the Italians holding an option to buy the Italian striker.