Chelsea transfer news: Tiemoue Bakayoko wants AC Milan stay after impressing on loan

The French midfielder joined the Italians after a disappointing debut season with the Blues but has since rediscovered form resembling his time at Monaco

Tiemoue Bakayoko salutes the Milan fans (Getty Images)

On-loan Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has confirmed he wants to stay at AC Milan beyond the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has been a regular fixture for the Serie A outfit in recent weeks, starting 12 of the last 13 games for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.

And the former Monaco man now wishes to extend his stay at the San Siro beyond the one-year loan that was agreed last summer between Chelsea and Milan.

“Who wouldn’t want to stay at a club like AC Milan for a long time?” he told French newspaper Nice Matin.

“But I still have three years left on my contract at Chelsea and I do not control all the elements.

“Not everything depends on me,” he added.

Bakayoko, who has one France cap to his name, endured a difficult start to life in Italy, with Gattuso issuing very public criticism of the midfielder early in the season.

Tiemoue Bakayoko has impressed at AC Milan (AFP/Getty Images)

However, the Chelsea loanee has had a minor renaissance in Gattuso’s midfield and appears to be central to the Italian’s 4-3-3 formation.

The Frenchman now seems to be vital in the club’s bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which reports suggest would allow Milan the opportunity to activate the €35m buyout clause for a permanent transfer.