Antonio Conte is wasting no time putting the disappointment of Saturday's FA Cup final loss to Arsenal behind him, with the Chelsea manager close to welcoming his first new signing of the summer to Stamford Bridge.
With Champions League football back on the agenda for the Premier League champions, next season, Conte is looking to add depth to his already mightily talented squad and has reportedly drawn up a shortlist outlining six areas which need strengthening.
One of which, it appears, is in midfield where, despite already being blessed with PFA Player Of The Year N'Golo Kante, Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, the Italian still feels the need for reinforcements.
Advert
And the player tasked with bolstering the champions' midfield is Monaco's Tiemoué Bakayoko.
The 22-year-old has, much like his teammates Kylian Mbappe, Benjamin Mendy and Thomas Lemar, shot to prominence during Monaco's triumphant Ligue 1 season, and now seems destined for bigger things away from the Stade Louis II stadium.
Bakayoko (right) has enjoyed a break out season with Monaco, which looks likely to be his last with the French champions. Image: PA
Advert
According to The Independent, Chelsea are closing in on a deal worth £42 million for Bakayoko's signature, and are hoping to conclude the transfer in the next couple of weeks.
Advert
Should no complications arise and Bakayoko becomes a Chelsea player, this would then open the door for Nemanja Matic to depart Stamford Bridge, as the Serbian's playing time would become limited with the young Frenchman's arrival.
It is believed the former Benfica man's most likely destination would, shockingly, be Old Trafford, with former Blues' boss Jose Mourinho still a huge fan of the 28-year-old, following their time together at Stamford Bridge.
Matic may be waving goodbye to Stamford Bridge for good, this summer. Image: PA
Advert
It was Mourinho who brought Matic back to Chelsea in 2014, after the Serbian international had originally been sold to Benfica three years earlier as part of the deal that saw David Luiz sign for the Blues' for the first time.
Personal terms have apparently already been discussed between intermediaries, should Matic become available, this summer. However, any United move for Matic would depend solely on Bakayoko successfully completing his move to Stamford Bridge, first.
(H/T The Independent)
Topics: Football, Chelsea FC, AS Monaco
