Chelsea have key to unlock deal for €40m target Tuchel ‘dreams’ of

Ismael Bennacer, Franck Kessie AC Milan Spezia v AC Milan February 2021

Chelsea could take advantage of AC Milan’s desire to sign Fikayo Tomori on a permanent basis to take one of the Italian club’s key players, a report claims.

Tomori left Chelsea on loan for Milan in January after struggling for appearances at Stamford Bridge this season.

The defender benefitted from Frank Lampard’s focus on youth last season, but began to lose his place in the team.

With chances very slim this season, he made the switch to Milan in the winter transfer window. The Rossoneri were looking for a new centre-back, and Tomori fit the profile required.

There has already been talk of a permanent deal for Tomori to stay with Milan. One way to unlock that could see Chelsea take a top midfielder in return.

According to Il Milanista, new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel “dreams” of signing Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

Kessie has established himself as a key player for Milan since joining them from Atalanta in 2017. He has made more than 150 appearances for them.

However, with his contract expiring in 2022, he could be on the move this summer. Chelsea are one of his potential suitors.

Even though there is little time remaining on his contract, Kessie would not come cheap. It is claimed that Milan want around €40m for his signature.

Chelsea could lower that price by including Tomori as a counterpart in a potential deal, though.

Lampard: Tomori in difficult Chelsea predicament

Lampard: Tomori in difficult Chelsea predicament

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says Fikayo Tomori may go out on loan to aid his development as a player.

With the England defender available for around €25m, they could sacrifice him in order to buy Kessie. They would only have to pay €15m as well as Tomori to complete the deal.

It may not be so straightforward, though. Milan are eager to keep Kessie and may try to extend his contract.

Should the player not sign up, though, they may have to cash in on him before he can walk away as a free agent. Chelsea could be alert to such an opportunity.

Tuchel will be keen to craft the squad in his image in the summer, which will be his first full opportunity to make the signings and sales he wants.

Tomori focusing on Milan

Speaking last month, it did not seem like Tomori had a return to Chelsea on his mind just yet.

“I want to be part of the history of Milan,” he said.

“I’m convinced I have made the right decision to come here, I want to participate in the success of Milan.

“I’m at Milan and I’m only focused on Milan.

Hence, Tomori could be the key to Chelsea’s hopes of bringing in a top midfielder in Kessie.

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