Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie appears to be a man in demand heading into the summer as several big clubs are interested in securing his services before next season, reports SPORT.
Kessie, who joined Barcelona only last summer from AC Milan on a free transfer, has grown in stature at Spotify Camp Nou after a quiet first half of the season.
However, the Financial Fair Play situation could force Barça into selling players who can generate profits. And Kessie would be one such star as he arrived for free, meaning any fee the club receive for him will be written down as net profit.
Furthermore, Barcelona planning to re-sign Lionel Messi and use him as an interior midfielder. At the same time, they are also pursuing Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan while Xavi is said to be keen on another pivot midfielder, especially if Sergio Busquets does not renew.
In such a scenario, Kessie’s game time would take a big hit. And considering that the Ivorian has reportedly refused to take a pay cut, the Blaugrana could open the doors for an exit.
And, as per the report, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign Kessie this summer, along with Inter Milan as well as his former club AC Milan.
Milan had been linked with a move for the Ivorian in January itself, but nothing materialised. Inter, too, have been following the 26-year-old since the winter window and continue to hold an interest in him, with a possible swap deal involving Marcelo Brozovic being weighed up.
Tottenham, too, had been keen on signing Kessie during the winter and have continued monitoring his situation at Barcelona, waiting for the La Liga leaders’ decision on the midfielder to make a swoop.
So, essentially, Juventus are the latest entrant in the race for the Ivorian’s signing. The Bianconeri want to strengthen their midfield unit in the summer and have set their sights on the Barcelona ace.
Following Kessie’s rejection of a salary reduction, Barcelona are open to all possibilities, as per the report. If he were indeed to leave, the Catalans would prefer a pure sale with no exchange of players. However, that option will also be considered if it would be beneficial for the team.
