[ad_pod ]

Chelsea are reportedly reluctant to sanction the loan departure of Tiemoue Bakayoko to AS Monaco. Whilst the 25-year-old might not be in Frank Lampard's plans, he could be important for the club as cover for one vital midfield component.

What's the story?

AS Monaco have been linked with their former ace, and the player was said to be contemplating a return to the Stade Louis II. However, it appears that the move is now in serious danger because of the Chelsea hierarchy.

According to RMC Sport, the Blues do not want to let him go to the Ligue 1 outfit because they don't believe it is a big enough stage for him to show his true worth. This has left Bakayoko's entourage perplexed, as he is not currently receiving playing time in England.

However, Les Monegasques are still looking to complete a deal, and will continue to pursue their target.

Find out the truth about why David Luiz joined Arsenal in the video below...

Cover for Kante

Yes, the France international may not have impressed during his time at Stamford Bridge so far, but the Blues would be silly to allow him to leave. They were unable to bring in any new faces during the transfer window due to their transfer ban and, as such, they were unable to sign any real cover for N'Golo Kante.

Whilst the 2018 World Cup winner can not truly be replaced, Bakayoko is the only player currently on Chelsea's books who can even begin to replicate what the former Leicester City man brings.

You only need to look at his stats from his time at AC Milan to see the similarities with Kante. The 6 foot 2 enforcer averaged 2.3 tackles per game in Serie A last term, which was better than all of the Blues' midfielders, even Kante himself. In regards to interceptions, he would have been second behind Jorginho, and only just, whilst he would have also led the way in the middle with clearances, registering 1.4 per match.

Kante's importance cannot be underestimated. It is no surprise that Chelsea took European champions Liverpool to penalties in the UEFA Super Cup final with him in the side after losing 4-0 to Manchester United when the diminutive ball of energy was only introduced as a late second-half substitute. His defensive contributions are essential, and Bakayoko is easily Chelsea's most viable alternative.

If Kante gets injured, then Chelsea will lose those qualities and without Bakayoko, they will be unable to replace them.

[ad_pod ]