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Transfer plans are set to become negotiations as the season winds down, and while Chelsea’s immediate priority is to lock up new contracts for Conte, Hazard, and Courtois, there’s plenty of benefit to acting quickly in the transfer market as well — especially for a coach like Conte who places great emphasis on players learning our system and way of football.
One of the most consistently rumored targets for Chelsea has been Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, with several sources today claiming that the Blues will step up those efforts next week with a €45-50m opening bid.
Man Utd et Chelsea poussent pour Bakayako ! Chelsea prépare une offre de 45M€ ! LFC et #PSG à l'affût https://t.co/Fjtqn7jyhB via @RMCSport
— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) May 19, 2017
According to Bouhafsi’s report, Chelsea are one of four teams in serious contention for the 22-year-old, and are hoping to beat Manchester United, Liverpool, and PSG to the punch with a quick early bid of €45m.
According to the Telegraph’s Matt Law, we also having passing interest in Thomas Lemar and Benjamin Mendy as well, but Bakayoko is the priority. Law puts the bid at €50m, but what’s another €5m between friends?