The Gunners will try and pull the Ivory Coast International from Serie A in the summer with a view of replacing the outgoing Aaron Ramsey.
Arsenal have begun their search for a player to replace the outgoing Aaron Ramey, who is set to join Serie A champions Juventus. Their quest, according to The Sun has taken them to Italian shores once again, this time on the trails of current AC Milan midfielder, Franck Kessie in the summer as a replacement for the Welshman.
There are other names from Serie A thrown in too, like Nicolo Barella, although it seems Arsenal would prefer a move for Kessie above else during the summer window. Last summer, Arsenal dipped into Serie A side Sampdoria to sign midfielder Lucas Torreira, and with that transfer termed as a success, they could be tempted to bring someone from Italy once more.
Kessie, a former Atalanta youth player, joined AC Milan two seasons ago on loan with a view for a permanent transfer at the end of the season. Milan have supposedly paid the €24 million obligation fee to sign the Ivorian permanently, but with FFP looming on their heads, the Italian giants could be tempted into selling their midfielder for a profit.
Reports suggest that a bid of €35 million could be enough for Milan to consider a sale, but it remains to be seen if they see Kessie as indispensable. Arsenal, on the other hand, have been impressed by Kessie’s midfield performances and are really interested in bringing him to the Premier League next season.
The Gunners see him as an ideal replacement for Ramsey, who is set to join Juventus at the end of the season on a free transfer. The Welshman saw a contract offer being pulled out by the Gunners earlier in the season, and since Juventus have pounced on the opportunity to sign him on big wages.
Ramsey’s absence would leave a void in Arsenal’s team as the side would miss the many goals and assists he delivers from a midfield position. Kessie, however, has had a decent record on that front, but not as prolific as Ramsey. The midfielder has scored 9 goals in his 83 appearances for Milan in all competitions but has shown an improvement scoring four league goals and laying two assists this season in the league alone.
Arsenal also signed Denis Suarez on loan from Barcelona in January, but the midfielder has failed to make any mark on Emery’s side. Suarez is yet to start a game in the two months he’s been in London, while playing a grand total of 95 minutes, all from the bench. The understanding is that the Spaniard was brought in with a view of replacing Ramsey for next season, but Emery has a change of plans now.
As with Kessie, the midfielder could be a good fit at the Emirates. He is physical and has been performing consistently at Milan. For now, the transfer looks doable, although if Milan are to increase their value of the player to unprecedented levels, then a move could be in jeopardy considering Arsenal’s own financial struggles. Overall, a move would make sense and Kessie could be suited for the Premier League.
