In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, Monaco are reportedly interested in bringing Tiemoue Bakayoko back to Ligue 1, Declan Rice sends a heartfelt message of support to Mason Mount after watching his goal against Leicester, James Maddison gets into a humorous Twitter exchange with Jeremy Clarkson after Leicester’s draw at Chelsea.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Monaco look to re-sign Bakayoko
Citing a report by L ‘Equipe, TalkSport has indicated Monaco are looking to re-sign Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea before the Ligue 1 transfer window closes early next month.
The midfielder joined the Blues from Monaco in 2017 but after spending last season on loan at AC Milan, he has yet to play a competitive match for Frank Lampard’s side in this campaign.
While Bakayoko has been linked with other European clubs this summer, it appears he could be set to return to the club where he won the French league title two years ago.
Monaco are seeking reinforcements after a poor start in Ligue 1 which sees them bottom of the table after successive 3-0 losses to Lyon and Metz and are looking to bring in Bakayoko and Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina before the transfer deadline on 2 September.
According to the report, the addition of the pair would provide some much-needed support for former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
‘The 32-year-old can still pull strings in midfield, but the Ligue 1 side want to supplement his undoubted ability by supplying him with runners from midfield,’ states TalkSport.
Rice sends classy tweet after Mount goal
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice celebrated Mason Mount’s first Premier League goal on Sunday by tweeting a picture of the pair as Chelsea youth players with a nice message of support for his long-time friend.
‘Come a long way since this pic bro. Proud smile on my face seeing that goal go in, never in doubt & many more to come,’ said Rice after watching Mount’s early goal against Leicester.
The accompanying photo, which appears to he been taken about a decade ago, shows the pair standing with their arms around each other’s shoulders after a game for the Academy.
While Rice was released by Chelsea in 2014, he has maintained a close friendship with Mount with the two players holidaying together in the Middle East this summer.
Clarkson and Maddison in hilarious Twitter spat
The Daily Mail reports Leicester City’s James Maddison got involved in some Twitter banter with Chelsea fan Jeremy Clarkson after he missed a golden opportunity to score against the Blues on Sunday.
Maddison impressed as the Foxes recovered to draw 1-1 at Stamford Bridge but he missed a chance to give his side all three points when he fired over from close range in the dying minutes.
The miss prompted a derisive tweet from former Top Gear presenter Clarkson.
'James Maddison. Too long at the barber's. Not enough time practicing football,' said Clarkson of the well-groomed midfielder.
Maddison decided to hit back at the outspoken presenter by making fun of his receding hairline.
'Stick to cars mate,' he replied. 'Can count on 1 hand how many trims you've got left #thin.'