Chelsea ‘closing in on £35m midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko after breakthrough’

Chelsea have moved a step closer to completing the signing of French midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco.

The 22-year-old, who has long been admired by Blues boss Antonio Conte, is expected to travel to England soon to finalise his £35m move.

Bakayoko, originally valued at £43m, will become the club's first major acquisition this summer after a breakthrough in negotiations between Chelsea and Monaco, according to the Telegraph.

The French midfielder played a role in Monaco reaching the Champions League semi-final, in the season just gone, as well as Monaco winning their first French championship since 2000.

Nominally a defensive midfielder, the Paris-born talent featured across 51 matches in all competitions this season, scoring three goals as well as creating a further one with his performances earning him an international call-up and subsequent debut against Spain in March.

His arrival will strengthen Chelsea's depth in central midfield with Bakayoko joining compatriot N'Golo Kante, Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas as Conte looks to fight on four fronts next season.