Valencia endured yet another disappointing season in 2021/22. The team could only manage a 9th-placed finish in the league under Jose Bordalas. The club hierarchy has appointed Gennaro Gattuso ahead of the new season as the Manager.
Los Che has some talented players in their squad and Gattuso will be looking to rejuvenate the spirit amongst the players to get results. However, the manager has also expressed a wish to bring in familiar faces to plug the gaps in the squad.
The club has completed the signing of Samu Castillejo from AC Milan. Gennaro Gattuso wanted the winger as he has a good working relationship with the Spaniard. The player and manager know each other from their time at AC Milan.
The Italian is also reportedly interested in bringing Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea. The French midfielder is currently on loan at AC Milan till 2023. However, Bakayoko still has a contract with Chelsea until 2024.
Valencia will have to pay a fee for Bakayoko
The French midfielder is on loan at the San Siro, however, the Rossoneri have hardly used the player. AC Milan will probably be happy to cut short the two-year loan for the player. However, Bakayoko is still under contract at Chelsea till 2024.
Los Che is said to be cooling down their interest due to this complication in the deal. Even though Chelsea has not specified how much they would seek for the transfer of the midfielder, Valencia seems to be unwilling to spend a fee on Bakayoko.
Gennaro Gattuso will push the club to open talks with Chelsea for the player in the coming days and hope to find an amicable solution for all parties. The Italian rates the French midfielder highly despite his form and has signed him twice before. Thus, it is not unreasonable to assume that he will put pressure on the hierarchy for Bakayoko’s signature.
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