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Valencia have enquired about the availability of Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to reports in Italy.
The 27-year-old has spent the last four seasons on loan and could be set for another move away from Stamford Bridge.
However, it is unclear as to whether the French midfielder will be departing on loan or on a permanent basis this summer.
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Recent reports revealed that AC Milan are set to hold talks with Chelsea over Bakayoko’s future.
The midfielder spent last season on loan in Milan, in a fairly unsuccessful move as he made 18 appearances in all competitions.
The spell at the San Siro was Bakayoko’s second, having previously featured under Gennaro Gattuso for AC Milan in the 2018-19 season.
Gattuso then brought Bakayoko to his next club, Napoli, as the pair held a strong relationship, working together twice.
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The Italian has since been appointed as the new Valencia boss and could be reunited with his former player in Spain.
Calciomercato.com have now reported that Gattuso has already enquired over the availability of Bakayoko.
The Italian outlet continue to report that a permanent move being discussed, with both clubs locked in negotiations.
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The report states that talks over a permanent transfer for €5.5 million has already been discussed between Valencia and Chelsea this summer.
Gattuso also holds interest in one of Bakayoko’s former AC Milan teammates, Samu Castillejo.
It remains to be seen as to whether a deal will be struck in the summer transfer window, with a year remaining on Bakayoko’s Chelsea contract.
The 27-year-old has had an unsuccessful spell since arriving from AS Monaco under Antonio Conte, just completing one season before being shipped out on loan.
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His time at Chelsea is most likely coming to an end, with a year left on Bakayoko's current deal.
AC Milan are set to end his current two-year deal on loan to allow him to pursue a permanent move to La Liga, joining up with Gattuso once more.
Chelsea could enter the market for a midfielder themselves this summer, with Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic the most recent name to be linked.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson Palmieri are of interest to the Serie A side, both of whom have worked with Maurizio Sarri in the past and could be used in a deal for the midfielder.
With N’Golo Kante and Jorginho’s deals set to expire in 2024, the Blues will most likely look to rebuild their midfield over the coming transfer windows, with Bakayoko’s departure another step in overhauling Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Valencia and Chelsea will continue to negotiate over the fee, or potentially see the Frenchman leave on loan once more.
Topics: Chelsea, Football, AC Milan, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Valencia, Gennaro Gattuso
Nick Emms