Chelsea departure lounge: Bakayoko, Emerson, Baba Rahman, Ugbo, Ballo latest

Chelsea still have a large contingent of players who are not in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the season, but have failed to secure moves thus far. With the end of the transfer window approaching, it’s surely time for things to kick into gear.

First up is Tiémoué Bakayoko. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais have made initial contact, with Bakayoko said to be open to the move. Italian clubs AC Milan and Napoli also maintain an interest though that has yet to manifest into anything significant.

Coming to Emerson Palmieri, Gazzetta dello Sport (via Inside Futbol) report that Napoli have dropped out (again?) after being unable to meet Chelsea’s demands, despite manager Luciano Spalletti personally pushing for him. The Italian club have now seemingly turned their attentions to Reinildo Mandava of Lille and Pervis Estupiñán of Villarreal.

Chelsea have rejected a loan bid from PAOK Thessaloniki for Baba Rahman, with the Blues looking for a permanent transfer. Fussball Transfers note that Baba has offers from teams in England and France, with a final decision set to be made in the coming days.

Ike Ugbo meanwhile is still just closing in on a move to KRC Genk in Belgium, as per All Nigeria Soccer, Goal and HLN. Chelsea were initially holding out for €5m, but have now apparently accepted to a deal worth €3.5m plus bonuses and clauses.

Lastly, youngster Thierno Ballo could be heading to Austrian top division side Rapid Vienna on loan for the season. They have been pushing for his signature for quite some time now, but their demand of a buyout clause has been holding up the deal.