Arsenal To Rival Barcelona For This AC Milan Midfielder: Good Choice For Arteta?

In a recent print edition, Sport mentioned Arsenal are set to rival Barcelona for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie who has got less than six months left to run in his contract. However, it is understood that the Ivory Coast international prefers a move to the Catalan outfit which means that the Gunners need to step up their pursuit if they want to land him in the summer.

Kessie’s Impressive Form In Italian Football This Season

Kessie is having a solid campaign at Milan after putting in several dominant displays at the centre of Stefano Pioli’s midfield. The 25-year-old has registered six goals and one assist in 26 matches for the Italian club this season on all fronts.

The Ivory Coast sensation has been a consistent performer at both ends of the field based on his average of 1.4 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.9 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in Serie A. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from midfield after making 90% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).

Is Kessie A Good Choice For Arsenal?

Kessie is a tough-tackling midfielder who can time his challenges well to secure the ball back at the centre of the park. He usually clears the danger when required and can offer some solid protection for his teammates inside his half.

The 52-time Ivory Coast international can even set up some inviting chances for others around him and can strike the ball with power from long range. He can retain possession with conviction in the opponent’s half which could make him a good fit for Mikel Arteta’s brand of football at Arsenal.

Kessie is currently playing some of the best football of his playing career. Thus, it makes sense for the Gunners to offer him a contract when he becomes a free agent at the end of this campaign.

At 25, Kessie is only going to get better with each season. Thus, we can expect him to make an immediate impact at the Emirates Stadium if Arteta can win the race for his services. Kessie will add more bite and steel to Arsenal’s midfield department. All in all, the AC Milan star could prove to be a good choice for the Gunners as long as the talented midfielder can make a smooth transition to life in English football.