Chelsea set to pull plug on Bakayoko deal, attentions turn to Tolisso

Premier League champions Chelsea are contemplating ending their interest in Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to L’Equipe (via talkSPORT).

The 22-year-old midfielder was a key part of Leonardo Jardim’s side that wrestled control of French football away from Paris Saint-Germain this season, beating Unai Emery’s men to the Ligue 1 title by eight points.

And with some impressive displays during their run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, the France international has earned rave reviews over the course of the campaign, and thus attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

And one of those was Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, who were reportedly looking to land a £50 million deal for the 22-year-old to bolster their options ahead of their own Champions League campaign next term, as well as their title defence.

However, recent reports suggest that the Blues are looking to end their quest for Bakayoko given the time it is taking to complete a deal, which will surely come as frustrating news to Chelsea fans given how brilliantly the midfielder has performed this season.

All is not lost though as, as a result of them pulling out of the Bakayoko race, Conte is reportedly turning his attentions to Lyon ace Corentin Tolisso, who scored eight goals and laid on five assists in his side’s run to fourth place in the French top-flight.

The 22-year-old is another who has caught the eye of many top European clubs this summer, with Arsenal, Juventus, and Tottenham also reportedly interested, yet Chelsea’s financial power and excellent recent trophy record may be enough to persuade the £18.7 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt) to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.