It could be a very exciting and news-filled summer at Chelsea Football Club, and it’s likely to start with the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko. The Monaco midfielder is expected to be Chelsea’s first signing of the summer, and multiple outlets report the deal could be done this week.
The BBC writes that “Talks have taken place and the transfer – which would be Chelsea’s first of the summer – could be completed this week.” Additionally, ESPN FC claim that “after weeks of negotiations both clubs now expect the deal to be completed once personal terms with the player are finalised.”
ESPN report an agreed upon fee of £35 million, which would make Bakayoko the most expensive midfielder acquired in club history. Bakayoko, a 22-year-old French international, was part of the Monaco squad that reached the Champions League semi-finals and won Ligue 1 last season.
This transaction should have a ripple effect, with Nemanja Matic to Manchester United being the next domino to be set in motion. Reportedly, United are very close to completing the Matic signing, and that could even be announced before Tiemoue Bakayoko at Chelsea.
The next transactions at Stamford Bridge could be the arrival of Romelu Lukaku from Everton and the departure of Diego Costa, most likely to Atletico Madrid.
Again, Chelsea just might end up having the most interesting 2017 summer transfer window when all is said and done. Expect a lot of captivating headlines buzzing around the football news world this summer.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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