Chelsea confirm loan exit for Tiemoue Bakayoko

Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has joined AC Milan on a loan deal.

Bakayoko joined Chelsea from Monaco in last summer's transfer window, and made over 40 appearances during his first season in English football.

The France international struggled for consistency, however, and had been strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

"Tiemoue Bakayoko has moved to AC Milan on a season-long loan," read a statement on Chelsea's official website.

The midfielder will spend the remainder of the 2018-19 campaign with Milan, although there has been no mention that the agreement includes a potential permanent move next summer.

Bakayoko, 23, played 92 times for Monaco ahead of his move to Chelsea last July.