Chelsea are at risk of losing out on one player to London rivals Arsenal.
Both teams look to be in the market for a new attacker, with Chelsea already missing out on Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.
It has been reported that Olise was actually the Blues’ top target for the summer.
However, the 22-year-old is now close to joining Bayern Munich.
It has left Chelsea needing to look elsewhere, which could mean a possible transfer battle with the Gunners and Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea interested in young winger
Since losing the race for Olise, Chelsea have been heavily linked with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
However, with Williams being a left winger, someone like PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko would be a more like-for-like alternative to Olise.
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are actually considering signing him this summer.
However, the same outlet claims that Arsenal are also interested in Bakayoko and have already held talks with the 21-year-old about a move to the Emirates.
It is thought that Bakayoko could cost as much as €60m (£50m).
What would Johan Bakayoko bring to Chelsea?
Bakayoko’s stats show that the Belgian is an extremely tricky winger to deal with.
For example, he is completing 3.32 successful take-ons and 7.11 progressive carries per 90 minutes (FBref).
Bakayoko also had goals and assists to go with the above last season.
In 33 Eredivisie appearances, the Belgium international scored 12 goals and provided nine assists.
Form shown in the Eredivisie does not always translate to the Premier League, but Chelsea have already taken a punt on Noni Madueke, who joined them from PSV in 2023.
After failing to sign Olise, maybe they will do the same with Bakayoko.
Looking at those numbers, he is not a bad alternative to consider. With Arsenal also circling, though, Chelsea may have to act quickly if they want to bring Bakayoko to Stamford Bridge this summer.
