In a recent print edition, Tuttosport has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur could get another chance to land AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie after failing to acquire the player’s services in January. However, it is believed that Spurs could face competition in the form of Arsenal in the race to recruit the Ivory Coast international (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Kessie’s Excellent Form At Milan This Season
Kessie is having another impressive season at San Siro as he has been responsible for producing a series of productive displays at the heart of the AC Milan midfield. The Ouragahio-born talent has scored ten goals and secured three assists in 38 matches for the Italian giants this term across all fronts.
The 24-year-old deserves a lot of plaudits for influencing the game in both halves because hs is averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 1.2 shots, 0.7 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League this season. He has also been excellent when interchanging possession with his teammates after completing 89.2% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Based on Kessie’s recent form, Spurs should consider going back in for him when the transfer window reopens later this summer. The Ivory Coast midfield ace’s current contract at AC Milan is set to expire at the end of next season, so Stefano Pioli will have no choice but to cash in on him this summer or else risk losing him for free in 2022.
What Does The Ivory Coast International Offer On The Pitch?
Kessie is a hard-working midfield enforcer who loves a tackle and can make some crucial interceptions for his side. He is usually quick to spot the danger and can clear his lines when his teammates need assistance on the defensive end of the field.
The 44-time Ivory Coast international has also added plenty of goals and assists to his game this season, which has made him one of the best midfielders in Serie A. At 24, Kessie is a player on the rise and will only get better with each season. Therefore, Jose Mourinho should focus on engineering a move to lure him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of this campaign.
Is Kessie The Right Fit For Spurs?
Kessie has excelled as a box to box midfielder this season, but he is far more comfortable playing in a defensive midfield role. He can use his strong 1.83m frame to dominate the midfield battle and can outmuscle the opposition off the ball at the centre of the park.
The Ivorian sensation will undeniably bolster the quality of Mourinho’s first-team considerably. He could potentially form a strong holding midfield partnership with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg at North London for years to come. All in all, Kessie will be a good fit for Tottenham as long as Mourinho is willing to play him regularly in his first-team.
