CM: Bakayoko negotiation at a crossroads as enquiries are made over Lille, Benfica stars

By Oliver Fisher -

Tiemoue Bakayoko remains Milan’s priority target to join Ismael Bennacer, Franck Kessie and Sandro Tonali in the midfield, but it is proving to be tough to close the deal.

According to Calciomercato.com, negotiations with Chelsea over Bakayoko have suffered a small slowdown but new contacts are expected in the next few hours.

Paolo Maldini is counting on the French midfielder to come in and complete the midfield department, which is why he is pushing to close the deal as quickly as possible.

There are two key aspects of the deal that have already been agreed: the formula (loan with option to buy) and the amount for the paid loan (€3m).

However, there is still distance on the figure for the option to buy, as Milan would like it to be set at €25m but Chelsea want €32m. The negotiation has reached a crossroads though, and although there is optimism that the deal will be closed, alternatives are being evaluated.

On Friday, Maldini met with Florentino Luis’ agent Bruno Carvalho Santos, and Milan asked for a few days to understand how the Bakayoko situation will turn out.

Luis would be enthusiastic about the possibility of wearing the Milan shirt, but Benfica have already rejected a bid totalling €28m from Fulham.

At the same time, the management are probing the ground for Boubakary Soumaré, a player heavily appreciated by Milan scouting leader, Geoffrey Moncada.

Tags AC Milan Boubakary Soumare Florentino Luis Tiemoue Bakayoko
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