Tiemoue Bakayoko set to complete Chelsea move - but what will he bring?

ByPete Sharland

Updated 13/07/2017 at 10:13 GMT

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco, with the midfielder reportedly set to sign on Friday. But what will he bring to the side?

The Premier League champions have been linked to Bakayoko for some months now, but the deal has been dragging on.

However, despite reports of Manchester United considering a move it is now believed that the deal will be concluded imminently.

Various outlets are reporting that a fee of €45 million (£39.7 million) has been agreed between Chelsea and Monaco and the midfielder should agree terms in the next 48 hours.

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Monaco's French midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko jumps for the ball

Image credit: Getty Images

The 22-year-old will complete a medical, with Chelsea reportedly unconcerned about a knee injury that required keyhole surgery and leaves the midfielder around six weeks away from full fitness.

His imminent arrival could see Nemanja Matic leave, with both United and Inter Milan mentioned as possible destinations.

The Blues are also reportedly still in talks for Alex Sandro, Alvaro Morata and Danilo as they look to bolster their squad ahead of their upcoming Champions League return.

What will Bakayoko bring?

Bakayoko will bring the support that N'Golo Kante has been craving for some time. He brings energy and the ability to carry the ball from midfield, as well as a knack of popping up with important goals at important moments.

But does this spell the end for Nathaniel Chalobah? Not necessarily.

John Terry celebrates with Nathaniel Chalobah

Image credit: Getty Images

While much has been made of Bakayoko joining and whether Chalobah may leave, with Watford strongly mentioned as a possible destination, they could actually compliment each other.

The demands on the central midfielders in Antonio Conte's 3-4-3 formation means having four to choose from (Kante, Bakayoko, Chalobah and Cesc Fabregas) makes a good deal of sense.

Chalobah has the intelligence and position discipline to perform a variety of roles in the midfield, whether that be sitting deeper, carrying the ball or acting as the playmaker.

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