Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign Atalanta’s latest sensation, Franck Kessie. The 19-year-old defensive midfielder has caught the attention of a lot of clubs this season with a series of impressive displays in the centre of the park.
The Ivorian began the season on fire, scoring five goals in six appearances for Atalanta but has since tailed off – and given he’s a defensive midfielder by trade, there isn’t any pressure on him keeping the scoring alive.
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But his appearances caught the attention of Juventus who are adamant to keep him in Italy. But interest from London trio of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal could make Juventus’ job a lot harder. But Kessie will not come cheap having signed a long-term contract only a few months ago in August.
With the contract running out only in 2021, Atalanta too have no reason to part with the 19-year-old unless a massive offer does arrive. Chelsea are in need of a defensive midfielder given they're about to lose Cesc Fabregas soon. And manager Antonio Conte is said to prefer players from the Italian league given their understanding of his gameplay.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, are also said to be interested in signing Kessie. Having bought Moussa Sissoko, Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama in the summer, Mauricio Pochettino is said to want reinforcements if he’s to challenge for the Premier League title once again.
Arsenal are also said to be in the market to sign a midfielder given they could lose both Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla in the summer. The former is tipped to sign on with Bournemouth at the end of the season given it’s the club he can make more first-team appearances. Cazorla, on the other hand is a free agent at the end of the season given the Gunners are yet to offer him an extension on his contract.
With the chance to sign Kessie in January slim, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur will all have to wait till the summer to try and sign the Ivorian. Kessie will have a plethora of offers to choose from given his talent and is currently valued at around €30 million by the Italian club.
That price tag can put off quite a few interested clubs but with the Premier League still hungover over their new television deal with BT Sport and Sky, it’s likely they’ll have the money to ensure sure a deal is possible.
