Chelsea have finally reached an agreement with Monaco over the transfer of Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The Premier League champions will pay £40million plus add-ons for midfielder Bakayoko who is scheduled to have a medical on Friday.
Without another hitch he should be a Chelsea player by the end of the week which will be a boost for Antonio Conte and his squad before they set off on pre-season tour to China and Singapore.
The Italian manager has been frustrated by problems in the transfer market.
Manchester United hijacked a deal for Romelu Lukaku forcing Chelsea to turn to Alvaro Morata, who was second on the list of options to replace Diego Costa as he tries to secure a move to Atletico Madrid.
Bakayoko is a long-standing target for Conte but the transfer has been beset by delays.
Keyhole knee surgery at the end of the season postponed a planned medical and may rule him out of the start of the campaign.
Conte is concerned he will miss the start of pre-season training and will have ground to make up on the rest of the squad but at least a deal has finally been struck.
Monaco were determined to stand firm on their valuation and will receive the initial payment of £40m which they demand.
Manchester United made it clear they were willing to match the asking price but Bakayoko was always keen on a move to London.
The fee will rise depending on his performances and achievements at Stamford Bridge.
Bakayoko was a midfield star in Monaco’s drive to the French title and the last four of the Champions League last season.
His boundless energy and ball-winning ability will fit neatly into Chelsea’s style.
At Monaco, they have likened him to Yaya Toure since he was signed from Rennes three years ago.
He will forge partnership with his close friend and international team-mate N’Golo Kante in the heart of Conte’s team.
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