2. Tiemoue Bakayoko
Chelsea are also being linked with a number of midfielders as Conte wants to challenge for the Champions League next season. It’s likely he’ll be looking for an upgrade on Nemanja Matic as he looks for a more balanced midfielder to partner N’Golo Kante.
Matic has done well this season but there are still question marks around him. He does not give the team a great attacking option and is largely used as another defensive midfielder to help Kante. A good attacking and defending midfielder is needed as Kante sits back and does his thing. Fabregas is great but he can’t defend.
Thus, Bakayoko is a great option. He can defend and attack. His tackling and work-rate would also complement Kante.
The 22-year-old has had a great season for Monaco and scored a valuable headed goal to propel Monaco past Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16.
The Frenchman is also good in aerial duels winning 2.1 duels per game in the Ligue 1. His height and physicality would be imperative to replace Matic as Kante is not the biggest.
He has also won 2.1 tackles per game and 1.9 interceptions (Whoscored). Pretty good statistics for a 22-year-old.
While he may not have the same great attacking stats as Fabregas, he would still offer a more balanced midfield option than Matic.