Tiemoue Bakayoko’s agent says a permanent move to Napoli is a ‘priority’ for the Chelsea midfielder

Tiemoue Bakayoko’s agent has said securing permanent move to Napoli at the end of the season is a ‘priority’ for the Chelsea midfielder.

Bakayoko joined the Serie A side on loan in October and has cemented his place in the first team with 18 appearances across all competitions.

The 26-year-old, who scored his first Napoli goal in a 2-1 victory over Udinese on Sunday, has not played for Chelsea since 2018 and is not part of Frank Lampard‘s plans.

Tiemoue Bakayoko has made a permanent move to Napoli a ‘priority’, according to his agent 

The midfielder’s brother Abdoulaye, who also works as his agent, said the Frenchman is enjoying his time in Italy and would be keen to make the move permanent in the summer. 

‘He is very happy for his first goal, it’s been a long time since he had scored the last one,’ he told Radio Marte, as quoted by Football Italia.

‘The goal has boosted his self-esteem, he always want to help the team.

The 26-year-old midfielder joined the Serie A side on loan in October and has not played for Chelsea since 2018 

‘It’s too early to talk about that (making the move permanent), there are many things that must be considered.

‘He is on loan until the end of the season and he hasn’t talked to the club yet, but staying at Napoli would be a nice opportunity, we’ll see.

‘He has played for many clubs, but he is happy at Napoli, the results are there and this club would be an ideal option for the future.

‘Napoli are Scudetto contenders, a positive ending is in everyone’s interest. Napoli will be his priority in June.’

Bakayoko joined Chelsea in a £40million deal in 2017 and he made 43 appearances in his first season under Antonio Conte.

Bakayoko scored his first goal for Napoli in the 2-1 victory over Udinese on Sunday

Maurizio Sarri, however, decided to send the midfielder on loan to AC Milan for the 2018-2019 campaign but they decided not to take up the option to buy him permanently.

The arrival of Frank Lampard saw Bakayoko join Monaco, where he made 23 appearances last season.

The midfielder is out of contract at Stamford Bridge in 2022 and is expected to leave but the Blues will likely have to settle for a smaller fee than the one they paid Monaco in 2017.