Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has described Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alex Sandro as “perfect” signings as the pair reportedly close in on moves to Stamford Bridge.
Monaco midfielder Bakayoko is poised to join Chelsea for £40 million, while Sandro is set for a club record £60 million move from Juventus.
Bakayoko produced some excellent performances for a vibrant young Monaco side last season – he had an average pass accuracy of 87% in Ligue 1 – and Burley believes that the 22-year-old would be an excellent acquisition.
Burley told ESPN FC: “Well last summer all the talk was Fabinho, who still has talk of his transfer being imminent doing the rounds.
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“But Bakayoko was one of those in there in the middle of the park who did impress as the season went on.
“Again we go back to all the attributes, he’s young, he’s physical. He’s aggressive in the challenge, he gets around the field, he’s tidy on the ball, he’s got energy to burn.
“That’s what your modern midfielder in the Premier League has to have or is better to have and he’s got that in abundance.
“He’s perfect for Conte’s style and I think this will happen.”
Burley would also be pleased to see Chelsea sign Alex Sandro, although he did admit that if the transfer goes ahead then he would feel sorry for Marcos Alonso, who excelled at left wing-back for Antonio Conte’s team last season.
Burley said: “I’ll tell you what, I’d never pay that for a full-back, but I understand.
“If he is to be signed, it’s telling you that Conte was happy with Alonso, but not totally convinced with Alonso.
“Don’t forget Moses played wing-back on the other side, so they will be looking in that position as well, unless Azpilicueta is going to play there.
“Alex Sandro is a very good player, he had a great season at Juventus, he didn’t have a great Champions League Final.
“It’s just up to the manager. Is he a better player than Alonso?
“I think he is probably a better player but I’d feel sorry for a player who had such a good season last year like Alonso did, just to be given the old Spanish archer, out you go.”
