Milan reinforce midfield with Bakayoko loan signing

AC Milan have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko on a season-long loan from Chelsea with an option to buy.

The Rossoneri can sign Bakayoko permanently for a further €35 million at the end of the 2018-19 campaign, according to Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio.

Bakayoko initially joined the Blues last summer in a reported €45-million move from AS Monaco. Considered a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic, the 23-year-old Frenchman struggled to assert himself so soon after keyhole knee surgery. Bakayoko often lost possession as he tried to carry the ball forward, and eventually surrendered his place in the starting lineup.

However, Milan needed another midfielder to give Franck Kessie some support. The 21-year-old lost steam as he reached upward of 50 appearances last season.

Bakayoko can play a similar game to Kessie, favoring shorter passes and explosive runs over slow and methodical buildup play. He's a good dribbler and tackler of the ball and capable of making key interceptions.

He rose to stardom in a two-man midfield beside Fabinho as Monaco claimed an unexpected Ligue 1 title in 2017.