Transfer Rumour: Chelsea plan to trump Juventus, Manchester United and others to Atalanta star Franck Kessie

Chelsea are reportedly planning to trump the likes of Juventus and Manchester United among other clubs in the race to land Atalanta starlet Franck Kessie

Daily Star have claimed that Chelsea are now planning a swoop for in-form Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie. Juventus were reportedly in the lead to land the youngster with interest from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and others but the Blues have now entered the race to sign the player.

Franck Kessie has been one of the main catalysts of Atalanta’s fine form in Serie A. The midfielder has started 11 league matches and a return of 5 goals and 1 assist, a return that is worth noting for a central midfielder. His performances have, among other reasons, catapulted Atalanta to fifth on the league table with the club flying high thanks to the form of their young core of players.

The 19-year-old has already attracted interest from the likes of Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool among other clubs. While the player himself admitted in an interview earlier in the summer, that he hopes to play under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United one day, it was Juventus who were reported to be in pole position to secure the player’s services, as per the latest reports.

Now, however, there are rumours of Chelsea entering the fray for the Atalanta midfielder with Antonio Conte prepared to battle and trump his former employers Juventus on the course to sign the 19-year-old. Conte is already contemplating moves for several players to add to their central midfield options, with Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante the only ones favoured by the Italian thus far.

Cesc Fabregas and Oscar both have been sidelined to the fringes of the first-team setup and with their departure looking more and more imminent, the Blues are now eyeing fresh players to add to their squad. And, Franck Kessie would provide Conte with energy, reliability and drive in midfield, something which seems to be the requisite for the Italian boss.

Chelsea have opened talks with the club over a move and seem to have a trick up their sleeves to sign Kessie, who is contracted to Atalanta till 2021 and the club seems to be in no mood to sell their in-form prized asset.

While other clubs are gunning for a transfer, it is reported that Chelsea are willing to let Kessie stay at Atalanta for the entirety of the current season with the player moving to Stamford Bridge only at the end of the current season.

Only time will tell if Chelsea would be able to beat other suitors to Kessie but one thing is for sure, the 19-year-old will be a valuable addition to whichever squad he ultimately ends up joining.