Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko could finally leave the club on a permanent deal this summer.
The 26-year-old had a torrid time in midfield during his one full season at the club, and has since been sent out on loan to Milan, former club Monaco, and now Napoli.
The one-time France international has had a positive start to life under Gennaro Gattuso, and scored the winning goal in their important win over Udinese on Sunday.
Although the Serie A challengers are now in pole position for a potential permanent deal, Bakayoko’s agent has suggested that he could end up playing elsewhere next season.
As reported by Simone Guadagno, Bakayoko’s agent said: “Redemption at Napoli?
“Too soon to talk about it, there are still so many things to see.
“Neither the club nor the player spoke to each other. Staying in Naples would be a good chance.
“We will see at the end of the season. However, Napoli has priority over his future for June.”
Although Bakayoko’s Chelsea contract runs until the summer of 2022, it is likely that Frank Lampard would be keen for him to leave Stamford Bridge should the right offer arrive.
The former Derby boss was quick to allow the midfielder out on loan when he first returned to the club, saying of both Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater: "Danny has been here for two years and hadn’t played many games.
“He was eager for his own benefit, which I felt was good for us.
“Bakayoko similarly was here for one season, went on loan and going on loan again to try to bring himself back to where he wants to be.”
Chelsea have had a mixed start to the new Premier League season, and are now set to take on Fulham on Saturday rather than Friday following a late change of dates.
With Aston Villa’s Covid-19 outbreak giving Fulham the chance to play their clash against Tottenham earlier than expected on Wednesday, they have been given an extra day to prepare for their west London showdown.
