Milan are reportedly getting closer and closer to bring back Tiémoué Bakayoko to Serie A. The Chelsea midfielder, who played for the Rossoneri on loan two seasons ago and left some good memories in Milan, may rejoin the red-and-blacks for a reported transfer fee ranging between 15M and 20M euros, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
As the two clubs negotiate, Bakayoko seems to have agreed to cut his current salary by one half, the same source reports. The Frenchman’s salary at Chelsea is 6M euro but Milan cannot offer more than 3M. Bakayoko, however, has not been finding much space at Chelsea and even his latest loan spell with Monaco was lackluster.
At 25, he understands that he needs some quality playing time to bolster his career and Milan could be the right environment for him to make a comeback – if only in view of his past experience with the Rossoneri.
Bakayoko joined Milan on a one-year loan for the 2018-19 season and, after a staggering start, he became a key point in Gennaro Gattuso’s midfield line – despite going through a few altercations with the hot-blooded coach. He collected 31 Serie A caps and scored one goal in the Derby di Milano against cross-town rivals Inter. He would have gladly continued his experience in Rossonero, but Chelsea’s price demands were deemed too high by Milan’s establishment and so the Frenchman had to pack and come back to Stamford.
Chelsea, however, need cash and would likely welcome the chance to get rid of a salary now disproportionate to the player’s importance in the club. That’s why Roman Abramovich’s side may be open to lower their initial demand for 35M euros and discuss the move with Milan.
Stefano Pioli’s Rossoneri will face three competitions next season as they recently qualified for the Europa League after a one-year absence. They could surely use some additional muscles in midfield and Bakayoko looks like the right profile.
Towards the end of the past season, Pioli managed to find the right formula for his core midfield line as he got the best out of Frank Kessié and Ismael Bennacer. But the need to compete on three fronts has reportedly prompted him to ask his management for at least two additional players to cover the role.
Giacomo Bonaventura’s contract expired and is not going to be renewed, whereas 34-year-old Lucas Biglia doesn’t seem to be considered a first-choice anymore. Rade Krunic did quite well but was limited by an injury and appeared somewhat fragile.
Bakayoko could take place next to Kessié to form a rock-solid midfield line or replace him over the course of a season which is expected to be long and tiring. During his previous Milan spell, he evidenced himself for a good balance between defensive and offensive skills, as well as for taking a particular liking to the Rossoneri which made him a fan favorite.
Most of them would gladly see him wearing a red-and-black jersey again.