Chelsea are close to completing the signing of Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, meaning Arsenal will have to turn their attentions elsewhere after showing an interest last season.

  • Bakayoko looks set to replace Nemanja Matic in Chelsea’s midfield
  • Arsenal were linked with him last season
  • Move could have implications for Fabregas’ future

Arsenal were linked with Bakayoko back in February, but didn’t have any serious interest. The Monaco midfielder is now set to join the Premier League champions in a deal potentially worth £35m, according to BBC Sport.

The Frenchman looks set to replace Nemanja Matic, who could be joining Manchester United. Matic was another midfielder Arsenal were interested in but will join another club instead.

Bakayoko’s signing could have implications for the future of Cesc Fabregas next season. The Monaco man is likely to be N’Golo Kante’s partner in the Chelsea midfield, meaning Fabregas could find himself on the fringes again.

There has been some talk of him potentially returning to Arsenal should he not get more first team opportunities too, and that link could well re-surface should Bakayoko keep Fabregas out of the Chelsea team.