Juventus and Barcelona have reportedly intensified talks for Franck Kessie’s return to Serie A after just one year. According to Tuttomercatoweb, the reigning La Liga champions have softened their stance on the Ivory Coast international to facilitate his move to Turin.
Kessie has emerged as one of the primary targets for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri. However, Barcelona’s bid to offload the 26-year-old midfielder threw a spanner in the works earlier in the summer. The Spaniards have come around and are now willing to sanction a loan deal.
Juventus have always wanted the ex-Milan star on loan with an option to buy. And the Catalans are now willing to grant their wish after failing to drum up interest in their unsettled midfielder. Kessie is no longer part of Xavi Hernandez’s project. Therefore, a deal could go through soon.
To make room for Kessie’s arrival, Juventus had to sell some of their fringe players first. Arthur Melo’s temporary switch to Fiorentina has paved the way for the Ivorian’s arrival. But the Brazilian may not be the only midfielder to leave the Allianz Stadium this summer.
Denis Zakaria and Weston McKennie are next on the hit list. The former has attracted interest from West Ham United in the wake of Declan Rice’s blockbuster move to Arsenal. The Swiss international hasn’t made Allegri’s pre-season squad in anticipation of an imminent transfer.
As for the latter, he took off with the rest of the Juventus squad for the United States tour. The Italians are still open to cutting him loose for the right price. But if they don’t receive a satisfying offer, McKennie could have another chance to shine.
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