"Really serious" - Fabrizio Romano confirms Aston Villa are set to rival Barcelona for 25-year-old midfielder

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan midfielder and Barcelona target Franck Kessie.

The Ivorian is currently in the final months of his contract at the Serie A giants and is yet to make a decision on his future. Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano said that although the Catalan club are the closest to signing Kessie, Aston Villa are serious in their pursuit as well. He said:

"In the last 48 hours, Barcelona have confirmed to people close to Franck Kessie that their intention is to offer a five-year contract with a salary of €6.5m net. He is really really tempted by this opportunity. Yesterday an Italy journalist said Aston Villa made a proposal to Kessie, and it’s true that Villa are really serious on this topic, but it’s not easy, they know other clubs are in the race and that Barcelona are pushing. Barca, at the moment are really insisting on Kessie and signing him as a free agent."

Kessie has also been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), but the Blaugrana remain favorites to sign the Ivorian during the summer.

However, since the appointment of Steven Gerrard as head coach last November, Aston Villa have had an influx of quality players at the club. Most notably, the former Liverpool legend convinced Philippe Coutinho to join the club on loan along with other strong names such as Lucas Digne, Robin Olsen and Calum Chambers. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Kessie in Claret and Blue colors next season.

"It’s normal" - Maldini on Barcelona's interest in Kessie

Kessie in action for AC Milan

AC Milan's technical director Paolo Maldini spoke on Barcelona's alleged interest in Kessie. The former defender was adamant that the Italian club would do their best to renew the midfielder's contract. He said:

"Barça’s interest in Kessie? It’s normal, his contract is about to expire and we still don’t have an agreement. The stance is the one dictated by the club, we absolutely will not deviate from it."

Earlier this year, AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli praised Kessie's professionalism and his commitment to the club despite being linked with a move away. He said:

"Kessie is a professional, we’ll see what happens on a contractual level."

Kessie has made 20 appearances in Serie A this season, scoring five goals. The Ivorian joined AC Milan on loan in 2017 and then permanently in 2019. He has made 163 Serie A appearances for the club since then.