Transfer Centre

Chelsea block Tiemoue Bakayoko exit?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 August 2019

Chelsea block Tiemoue Bakayoko's loan return to Monaco as the Blues want the midfielder to join a more high-profile club, according to a report.

Chelsea have reportedly blocked Tiemoue Bakayoko's loan return to Monaco as the Blues want the midfielder to join a more high-profile club to showcase his value.

Bakayoko has struggled to settle at Chelsea following a 2017 switch from Monaco. The Frenchman did make 43 appearances during his first season at the club, although he spent the 2018-19 campaign with AC Milan.

Monaco were believed to be closing in on a loan move for the 25-year-old, but according to RMC Sport, Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia has concerns regarding his future value.

The report claims that the Premier League club are worried that Bakayoko's value would significantly drop if he were to spend the season at Monaco rather than a more high-profile side.

The midfielder was a regular at Milan during the 2018-19 campaign - making 42 appearances in all competitions.

The Italian giants turned down the chance to sign him on a permanent deal, though, and Bakayoko has not been involved for his English club in the early stages of the new season.