Chelsea set to launch bid for Monaco’s Bakayoko

Chelsea celebrated their second Premier League title in three years over the weekend and are now preparing to win the double as they take on Arsenal in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

However, their celebrations and preparations this week have not got in the way of plans for next season, as reports from Mail Online claim that the Blues will open talks with Ligue 1 champions Monaco over a deal for defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko this week.

The 22-year-old, who has also been linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool, played a key role as the principality club lifted their first league title in 17 years as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Leonardo Jardim’s side have been arguably the most exciting in Europe over the past nine months, but look as if they could be picked apart this summer as the top clubs look to bolster ahead of next season.

The west Londoners are expected to open the proceedings with an offer of around £40m as Antonio Conte looks to get in ahead of rivals Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho.