Monaco star player Tiemoue Bakayoko has emerged as a target for Chelsea this summer, and the Premier League champions are believed to be closing in on his signing.
In a new development, however, there are new speculations that the two clubs are £15million apart in their negotiations for the France international, with Monaco said to be rejecting Chelsea’s opening offer of £27m.
It is understood that the Ligue I champions value the defensive midfielder at closer to £42m and are under no financial pressure to sell the 22-year-old.
Bakayoko has attracted interest from Manchester United this summer but he appears to be destined to a move to West London and wants a deal done quickly.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Stamford Bridge club have been in talks with Monaco over the last month but the French club immediately dismissed Chelsea’s first proposal.
The Frenchman’s desire to move to London should ease further negotiations, but the blues refusal to meet Monaco’s asking.
It is understood that Conte is not in a good state with the Chelsea management due to their lack of transfer activity.
Unlike Man United and Man City, Chelsea are yet to make a major signing this summer.
