Report: Chelsea, Monaco strike €40M deal for Bakayoko

The Chelsea front office is doing its damnedest to meet Antonio Conte's demands.

The Italian tactician is said to be frustrated over a lack of transfer activity, but the Blues are reportedly closing in on a move that will help calm the fiery bench boss; Mohamed Bouhafsi of RMC Sport claims the reigning Premier League champion has reached an agreement with French counterpart Monaco over the signing of midfield powerhouse Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Bouhafsi reports that the two clubs have agreed to a €40-million fee for the 22-year-old Frenchman, noting that personal terms still need to be struck before the transfer is finalised.

The burgeoning midfielder, who made 47 appearances in all competitions this past season, helping Monaco capture the Ligue 1 title and make an impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals, was a vital contributor to Leonardo Jardim's side.

Bakayoko's physicality in central midfield, paired with his defensive prowess, was crucial in allowing the club's more illustrious attacking players to get forward at will.

Should he agree to personal terms with Conte's side - which Bouhafsi notes could happen in the coming days as discussions between the two clubs ramp up - Bakayoko would likely form a daunting partnership with compatriot N'Golo Kante, giving Chelsea an uber-mobile duo that will hound the opposition and provide fierce protection for the backline.

The Rennes youth product, however, offers a more dynamic attacking presence than his diminutive countryman; Bakayoko, who made 2.8 successful tackles per 90 minutes last season in Ligue 1, also completed 2.3 dribbles. The latter mark put him in the top 10 among players who made 30 appearances in France's first division.

The potential move could also impact the future of incumbent Chelsea contributor Nemanja Matic, who seems the likely candidate to see his playing time diminish in the wake of a deal for the imposing French youngster.