Chelsea scrambling for solution as Italian club ignore their transfer plans
Chelsea will not be able to sell Tiemoue Bakayoko to Napoli on a permanent basis after the Serie A club reportedly came to a decision.
Bakayoko struggled to prove himself at Chelsea following a big money move in 2017. He only spent one season in London and has been loaned out to three different destinations since. The latest of those has been Napoli, where he has been for the current campaign.
The midfielder has featured in 30 Serie A matches for the Italian side. However, it seems they are unlikely to sign him permanently.
Chelsea were willing to do business with Napoli if they were happy with Bakayoko. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso would have had to commit his future to the Partenopei first, though.
Now, it seems almost certain that Gattuso will be leaving Napoli at the end of the season. With his exit, Chelsea’s hopes of getting Bakayoko off the books have faded.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Napoli have “no intention” of signing Bakayoko permanently. The €18m asking price they were quoted in November is still in place, but they aren’t willing to meet it.
Coupled with the Frenchman’s inconsistent performances, it means Chelsea will have to look for a new buyer for Bakayoko yet again.
He is out of contract in 2022 and the Blues would surely not want to lose a £40m investment for free. They are willing to make a loss on him but have to find a club willing to pay first.
It could be a frantic summer for Chelsea as they look to find a solution.
Chelsea midfielder shocked at exit talk
Meanwhile, current Chelsea midfielder Jorginho insists that he has no plans to leave and wants to focus on the club’s exciting journey under Thomas Tuchel.
His agent admitted recently that clubs in the Italian top flight could be tempted into trying to sign him if the opportunity arose.
However, Jorginho has denounced such talk, insisting that he wants to continue on his contract, which runs out in 2023.
“Of course, I do feel settled,” the 29-year-old told Goal. “When I came here, everything was different. But I felt welcome straight away.
“It feels great after three years, and I know everyone here appreciates what I try to do for the club and for the people. So it feels like home now in England.
“It’s definitely not the time to think about contracts with two finals to play!”
READ MORE: Tuchel makes plea to Chelsea board over classy new midfield target
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