Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko will miss the start of the French club's pre-season schedule with a move to Chelsea imminent, according to reports in France.
The all-action midfielder was due to report back for training this week alongside his team-mates, who were crowned Ligue 1 champions last term.
But, according to L'Equipe, the 22-year-old will not be present with a transfer to Stamford Bridge now said to be close to completion.
The Premier League champions have been tracking Bakayoko all season and have reportedly made him one of their key targets.
The future of Nemanja Matic, who is a target for Manchester United, remains unclear and Chelsea want to land Bakayoko as a potential replacement.