Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has admitted he would like Franck Kessie to commit his long-term future to the club. During an interview in the build-up to his side’s mouth-water Serie A showdown against Lazio, Pioli commented on the midfielder’s current contractual situation.
Kessie has less than a year left to run on his current deal at San Siro and has yet to pledge his future to Milan despite the club’s relentless attempts to convince him to put pen to paper on a new contract. The 24-year-old has grown into one of the most influential players during Pioli’s reign, and it’s no surprise the Rossoneri are keen to renew his deal.
After missing out on his team’s opening two Serie A fixtures of the season due to injury, Kessie has returned to full fitness in time to face high-flying Lazio on Sunday. The Ivorian’s recovery, coupled with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s long-awaited return to action, will give Pioli’s hopes of beating fierce rivals at San Siro a massive boost.
“I would like Kessie to sign. It is a situation that concerns the club and its agent more. When there is a negotiation it goes on for a long time, it is normal that this is the case,” Pioli said, as relayed by MilanNews.
“With Franck, we talk about the pitch and I see him motivated, calm, and positive. At the moment, there are no problems.“
Milan are desperate to persuade Kessie to sign a new contract after losing star players Hakan Calhanoglu and Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer in the summer. The midfielder’s blistering showings over the past couple of years have drawn plenty of interest from several prominent foreign sides.
Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham reportedly harbor a genuine interest in Kessie, with the latter preparing to lure him away from Italy with a lucrative contract offer.