Bakayoko ‘snubs Arsenal to leave Chelsea in clear over £50m swoop’

Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has reportedly rejected a move to Arsenal over the summer after holding talks with Arsene Wenger.

The highly-rated France star met Wenger in November to talk about a possible move to the Emirates at the end of the season, but turned down the advances after talks, according to France Football.

It now looks likely that the 22-year-old – called up by France for the first time this week – will join Chelsea this summer, with Antonio Conte keen to partner him with N’Golo Kante in a powerhouse Blues engine room next season.

There were reports in Italy that a £35million deal had been agreed between Chelsea and Monaco but France Football say the Ligue 1 leaders will insist on a fee nearer £50m.

What is clear is that his ambitions stretch further than Arsenal, with the publication claiming that Wenger met him in a Parisian hotel but failed to convince him that his future lies at the Emirates.

Bakayoko isn’t the only Monaco player attracting attention this season, with crown jewel Kylian Mbappe valued at around £130million by the club, with Manchester United mentioned as possible suitors.