Report: Bakayoko nears Chelsea swap after medical delayed by knee injury

Chelsea target Tiemoue Bakayoko is expected to undergo a full medical with the club later this week before completing a £35-million move from AS Monaco, but will likely miss the start of the upcoming Premier League season as he recovers from a keyhole knee surgery, reports Dominic Fifield of the Guardian.

Bakayoko underwent surgery at the end of the last Ligue 1 season, having played through pain since February before Monaco ordered a cleanup of his knee joint. As a result, the 22-year-old was unable to complete a medical with Chelsea when he first reported to the club's training ground weeks ago.

The two clubs have agreed to a fee, though, and Chelsea's medical team believes Bakayoko doesn't require more surgery. He will, however, need to rehabilitate for another six weeks and will miss the Blues' pre-season trip through Asia.

Monaco reportedly hasn't received an offer from any rival clubs for Bakayoko, who has his heart set on Chelsea as the next stop in his career.