Champions League semifinalists (!) Olympique Lyonnais had not expressed interest in Tiémoué Bakayoko up to this point, but it would appear that having seen the deal that AC Milan are reportedly trying to swing for the unwanted Chelsea midfielder, they have spotted an opportunity for a good deal.
Téléfoot (via GFFN) claim that the 2012-Chelsea-wannabees have “made contact” with the team they’re trying to emulate with a most unlikely Champions League triumph, with view towards a “possible summer move” for Bakayoko.
As reported last week, Milan are lowballing the Blues over the 26-year-old — happy birthday, Timmy! — with a loan-to-buy offer of €3m up front and a €35m option later. Those are precisely the sorts of deals Chelsea have agreed to in each of the past two seasons for Bakayoko, and yet he remains on our books.
Whether Lyon’s interest is real or just concocted by us to give our side just a bit of leverage in these negotiations, we will be taking a massive loss on Bakayoko either way. But maybe we can limit the financial damage a bit?