We already knew it was going to be a busy summer for Monaco’s Tiemoué Bakayoko, what with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all reportedly interested, but it’s about to get busier.
According to Le10 in France, the highly-rated defensive midfielder has now been approached by Arsenal for a transfer in the summer.
The French website claim the Gunners made contact with the player’s entourage over the past few days, and told them they would be interested in bringing him to the Emirates when the season comes to an end.
That Bakayoko is likely to leave the Ligue 1 side isn’t much of a surprise, considering the interest he has been receiving lately, but any transfer involving the 22-year-old won’t be cheap.
Earlier this week, L’Equipe estimated his value at somewhere in between €40-45m, which seems about right considering his age, today’s market and how well he has performed this season.
Keen to see him stay, Monaco are said to have tried to offer him an improved contract, but the terms were allegedly a far cry from what he could end up earning elsewhere, leading him to turn it down.
Currently on €25k/week in the south of France, we wouldn’t be surprised if, after a move abroad, the player managed to quadruple that easily, which is a salary the principality club would be unable to match.
Arsenal joining the fray certainly makes a lot of sense considering their midfield needs, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top come the end of the summer.
