Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alex Sandro

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £35.1 million fee for AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko and he is set to have a medical at the club next week, while they are also said to have agreed terms with Alex Sandro of Juventus ahead of a potential £60 million move.

The Evening Standard's Simon Johnson reported the Blues "have agreed a deal in principle with Monaco" and talks with Bakayoko regarding a five-year deal "are set to continue over the weekend," with a medical scheduled to take place after that.

RMC Sport's Mohamed Bouhafsi also noted all that's left is for Chelsea to strike a deal with the player himself:

The destroyer looks set to replace Nemanja Matic in the Blues' starting XI and with him alongside N'Golo Kante, Chelsea would perhaps have the most energetic and robust midfield partnerships in the Premier League.

French Football Weekly's Rich Allen believes the Blues' opponents are in for a tough time next year after Bakayoko arrives:

Indeed, like Kante, Bakayoko adds not only tireless running to the engine room but also incredible ball-winning skills.

According to Squawka, the Frenchman won 56 tackles and 57 headed duels in Ligue 1 last year, and he also made 54 interceptions, clearances and take-ons apiece.

The numbers speak to his outstanding anticipation and ability to not only win back possession for his side but also start counter-attacking moves with driving runs forward.

He also showed his class in the UEFA Champions League last term, per Squawka Football:

While Matic has played his part in two title wins at Stamford Bridge in the last three years, the 22-year-old looks tailor-made for the English top flight, and he brings more energy and dynamism than the Serb—he'll no doubt prove to be an outstanding capture.

Meanwhile, according to the Daily Star's David Woods, Juventus are "accepting" there is little they can do to keep Sandro if he wishes to join Chelsea.

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Bianconeri executive Giuseppe Marotta said: "A substantial offer has arrived. We have no intention of selling anyone but if a player decides to leave, as has happened in previous years, then at the end of the day he has to go. We don't keep anyone against their will."

The Brazilian is set to receive a significant pay rise on his current weekly wage of £75,000. Sandro showcased his ability against Barcelona in the Champions League, per football writer Adam Digby (via FourFourTwo's Stat Zone):

The wing-back is among the best in the world in his position and is one of relatively few players who could provide an upgrade on Marcos Alonso, who was excellent in his debut season for Chelsea last year.

If he and Bakayoko arrive, the Blues will have improved on two already-strong areas of their side with some top talent—a promising sign ahead of their title defence next season.