Premier League: Chelsea close to signing Tiemoue Bakayoko

Premier League champions Chelsea are closing in on their first signing of the summer as manager Antonio Conte insists AS Monaco youngster Tiemoue Bakayoko is a necessary addition to his squad. The 22-year old Frenchman was a key player last season for AS Monaco, who reached the Champions League semi-finals and won the Ligue 1 title. Talks between the two clubs are ongoing and it is believed that an agreement should be reached by the end of the week. Tiemoue Bakayoko joined AS Monaco from Rennes in 2014 and after two seasons of development he established himself as an essential player at the club. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he made 51 appearances for the club in all competitions last season and scored three goals. He also made his debut in the senior national team in France's 2-0 friendly loss against Spain in March 2017. It is believed that AS Monaco value Bakayoko at 35 million pounds, they paid 7 million pounds to Rennes when they signed him. Chelsea are also rumoured to be interested in Alex Sandro, the Juventus and Brazil wing-back, and defender Virgil van Dijk from Southampton. The Blues would also be interested in getting Romelu Lukaku back from Everton, but the Toffees are reluctant to sell. One player that is certain to leave the club is Diego Costa, who has received a message from manager Antonio Conte saying that he is no longer part of his long-term plans. Dutch defender Nathan Ake might also leave the club as Bournemouth are offering 20 million pounds for his transfer. Chelsea are 10/3 at Bet365 to win the Premier League title next season.