Barcelona have reportedly moved to the top of the queue to sign wantaway Milan midfielder Franck Kessie on a free transfer next summer. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Catalan heavyweights have opened talks with the Ivorian’s representatives to discuss the potential deal.
Kessie has already deemed Milan’s €5m-per-year offer insufficient to pledge his future to the San Siro. His current contract at the club is due to expire at the end of the season, and there is a genuine feeling that he will sever ties with the Rossoneri after five years.
Following an underwhelming start to life at the San Siro, Kessie has developed into one of the best midfielders in Serie A, let alone Milan. But even though he has grown into an indispensable first-team player under Stefano Pioli, the 25-year-old appears reluctant to extend his deal.
Given his role in the club’s renaissance over the past two seasons, it comes as no surprise that Milan tried their best to tie their in-demand star down to a new contract. However, the club hierarchy has made it abundantly clear that they would not be bullied in negotiations, without exceptions.
It seems that Milan have already reconciled with losing another significant first-team member for free after Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu left the club last summer. The Rossoneri are already assessing a couple of alternatives in the market.
Kessie has drawn plenty of attention across Europe. Several Premier League sides, including Arsenal and Tottenham, have added the Ivory Coast international to their wishlists. Yet, Kessie’s future could be in La Liga.
Barcelona, who performed a massive January transfer window, are grinding their way back to the top of Spanish football in the wake of Lionel Messi’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain. Since the Catalans are operating on a tight budget, they are keeping their eye peeled for free agents.
Kessie ticks all the boxes for a type of player Xavi is looking to add to his squad next summer. Though he joined Milan as an uncut diamond, Pioli has managed to turn him into a world-class player. There is no doubt he would be a major coup for Barcelona.