According to an interview on talkSPORT, former Chelsea player and assistant manager Ray Wilkins is disappointed that the Blues are closing in on the signing of Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko when they already have Nathaniel Chalobah in their ranks.

The Daily Mail say that the Blues are on the verge of sealing a £35m deal for the 22-year-old, in a move that could see Nemanja Matic move to Manchester United, as Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the group stages of the Champions League next season.

The Italian obviously sees Bakayoko as the perfect partner for the PFA Player of the Year N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park, but news of the potential transfer will come as a disappointment for Chalobah, who is currently starring for England at the European Under-21 Championships in Poland.

The 22-year-old – who is the same age as Bakayoko – made just 15 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League champions last term, and perhaps would have been hoping for more first team opportunities next season.

The arrival of Bakayoko could potentially push him further down the pecking order though, and Wilkins believes it is the wrong decision by the west London outfit.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the 60-year-old said: "I was really disappointed to read they are looking at Bakayoko from Monaco. He is 22 years of age, French and doesn't get near the national side, but it was quoted Chelsea might be paying £32million.

“Well, in Nathaniel they have got a footballer that can play exactly the same but just needs an opportunity to get in there and play.

"You have seen already in the two games he has played up to now [at the European Championship] he looks a class act in and amongst people of his own age. Playing with the top quality players that they have at Chelsea, he can only improve week to week."

Bakayoko made his France debut last week following a hugely impressive campaign for Monaco in which he helped them win the Ligue 1 title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

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