Napoli
are in talks with Chelsea over a potential season-long loan for midfielder
Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to Sky in Italy.
Bakayoko joined Chelsea for £40m in 2017, but after an unimpressive debut
Premier League campaign, has spent the last two seasons out on loan at AC
Milan and then Monaco.
Milan were in talks to resign Bakayoko last month, but with no deal having
been agreed, Ligue 1 champions PSG entered the race to sign the 26-year-old.
Milan and Chelsea were understood to be discussing the possibility of either
a loan or permanent deal, with the Blues likely to be keen to arrange a
transfer fee now with less than two years remaining on the Frenchman's
contract.
Napoli are now also interested, but in a loan deal, and the player could
arrive in Italy this weekend if terms can be agreed between the two clubs.
Chelsea are actively looking to offload players after investing heavily in
the squad earlier this summer.
Bakayoko is one of a number of players who could leave the club before
Deadline Day on Monday.
Bakayoko began his career in Ligue 1 with Rennes, before moving to Monaco in
2014, from where he joined Chelsea. His only international appearance for
France came in 2017.
Frank Lampard has yet to start Callum Hudson-Odoi since the restart1:20
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has admitted he would be open to allowing
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori and Callum Hudson-Odoi to leave the club
on loan
Blues consider loans for England
youngsters
Speaking at his news conference on Friday, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard
confirmed he had spoken honestly with England youngsters Callum Hudson-Odoi,
Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek about the possibility of a loan move
this season.
"With every player in the squad, if it's a loan, you have to consider what's
best for the player and the club," Lampard said.
"With those three players, I would always take those things into
consideration.
"I have a good relationship with them all and speak honestly with them. It's
one we'll approach player by player over the next few days.
"Once the window shuts, every player that is here will be used because there
is a long season coming up."
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