According to Sport Mediaset, as cited by Calciomercato, Chelsea are in the market for Franck Kessie. The reigning European champions have been alerted to the contract situation of the AC Milan midfielder, whose current deal at San Siro expires in 2022. Chelsea are ready to snap him up by offering him a salary of €7-8 million excluding bonuses, but they could face stiff competition from Tottenham and Juventus.
Franck Kessie’s Precarious Situation At Milan
Franck Kessie has been one of Milan’s most successful signings since he joined the club from Atalanta in 2017, initially on loan before the move was made permanent in the following summer.
The midfielder has notched up 184 competitive appearances for the club, becoming one of the best in the business, as far as Serie A is concerned. Under Stefano Pioli, the Ivorian has transformed into an ideal box to box midfielder who can be useful not only in the second line of press but can also provide productivity going forward.
Kessie has already mustered 30 competitive goals for Milan. But his time at San Siro could soon be up, with his current contract expiring in 2022. The player is ready to commit his future in Milan, but the club is yet to meet his wage demands, holding out for €7 million per season including bonuses.
Moreover, the Rossoneri had recently brought in Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea in the summer, which indicated the club’s plans to potentially shape the future without Kessie in the middle of the park.
How Will He Fit In At Chelsea?
Kessie’s potential free transfer to Chelsea next summer could prove to be a handy bargain for the reigning European champions. While Thomas Tuchel already boasts the services of two of Europe’s most in-form midfielders in Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, the addition of someone like the Ivorian could significantly strengthen the ranks in midfield.
Kessie could indeed be an ideal upgrade over Mateo Kovacic. His aggression, work ethic and ability to win back possession for his team potentially make him an ideal cog in Tuchel’s tactical setup.
Perhaps more importantly, the 24-year-old can offer the drive going forward, one that could go a long way in helping Chelsea further solidify their overall dimension in the middle of the park.
Not to mention, Kessie has significant experience at the highest level of football, and for a free transfer, he could be nothing less than a bargain for the Blues next summer.
