Sevilla seek Tiémoué Bakayoko as replacement for Steven Nzonzi — report

A rumour started at Euro United has now made its way to Spanish newspaper AS, who are still not the best of sources, but they are right from time to time. According to their report, Sevilla are interested in taking Chelsea midfielder Tiémoué Bakayoko on loan with an option to buy.

Bakayoko would be the replacement for Steven Nzonzi, who is close to leaving Sevilla to join former coach Unai Emery at Arsenal, returning to English football after spending six years at Blackburn and Stoke earlier in his career. Seville apparently see Bakayoko as a good fit to replace a player who was a key player for them over the past three years (and no less than five managers!).

The buy-option would reportedly be set at something approaching what Chelsea spent on Bakayoko — assumed to be £40 million. But even that much seems too low already, despite his sub-par first season in England. Bakayoko is still only 23 and he ended the season on a great note. The only way for him is up. His market value will likely skyrocket by the end of next season, especially if Sarri works his magic as he did with several players at Napoli.

It would be ludicrous if Chelsea were to accept such an arrangement, even in the confusing and somewhat ridiculous times going on at the club.

Nice try, Sevilla. Next!