Chelsea round-up: Argentine midfielder wanted; bid for Monaco star; interest in Batshuayi heats up

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The Sun state that Chelsea could launch a summer move for West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini after the Argentinean’s fine form saw him earn a first international call-up this season. With doubts over Cesc Fabregas’ future, bosses see the midfielder as a potential replacement for the Spaniard.

Lanzini has expressed his happiness at the London Stadium but could be tempted by the offer of Champions League football, with technical director Michael Emenalo thought to see him as a player with the potential to become as influential as Real Madrid star Luka Modric.

The Daily Mail believe that Chelsea are lining up a bid for Monaco ace Tiemoue Bakayoko as the Frenchman looks increasingly likely to leave the Ligue Un champions, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United also reported to be interested in the central midfielder.

Bakayoko has spoken out to say that he would not leave his current club for Paris Saint-Germain given the animosity between the sides after a close Ligue 1 title fight this season, from which the principality club emerged victorious to secure a league title only four years after returning to the top flight.

However, some players could be on their way out too. ESPN report that West Ham United are showing an interest in taking striker Michy Batshuayi on loan next season, having been interested in signing him last summer when he instead opted to move to Stamford Bridge.

Despite having made just one Premier League start all season, Batshuayi found his best form at the end of the season, scoring in the last three games of 2016/17. That may explain why the Blues are reluctant to allow the Belgian to leave permanently, but could be open to a temporary move.

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