Chelsea can benefit from failed Tiemoue Bakayoko move in £30m defender transfer | Football | Sport
Chelsea may benefit from their failed move for Tiemoue Bakayoko as they seek to make Benoit Badiashile the latest addition to their backline. The Blues struck up a good relationship with Monaco during their original move for the midfielder and could now see the positives of the deal despite the 28-year-old completely flopping during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Bakayoko joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2017 after an excellent season in France where he helped his club claim the Ligue 1 title and reach the Champions League semi-finals. He was seen as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic by then boss Antonio Conte with the Blues parting with £40million for his services.
However, Bakayoko’s stint in west London has been a disaster. He was regularly criticised during his first season in blue and has been loaned out every year since 2018. He remains on the club’s books but has spent the last two campaigns at AC Milan and his contract does not expire until 2024 meaning he could continue to pick up a wage for the next 18 months.
Chelsea could still reap some benefits from the nightmare transfer after their latest approach for Monaco defender Badiashile. The Blues have entered discussions for the player according to the Athletic who believe he will join in the coming weeks for around £30m.
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The club are said to remain interested in the World Cup stand out but his performances have caused his value to rise while there is also increased competition for his signature. As such, Graham Potter has turned his attention elsewhere with Badiashile now believed to be the preferred option. Evan N’Dicka and Piero Hincapie were also believed to be in the frame but have been overlooked for the Frenchman.
It looks increasingly likely that Badishile will be the latest arrival at Stamford Bridge before the end of January with Chelsea fans perhaps now feeling somewhat more positive about their initial deal for Bakayoko.
