Looking at reinforcements in January, Mikel Arteta is interested in bringing Ivory Coast international, Franck Kessie to North London.
According to a report by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, as carried out by Daily Mirror, Arsenal have sparked an interest in AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie and are set to enter in a race along with West Ham United to secure the signature of the Ivorian.
Kessie has not been at his best in recent years since joining AC Milan and is also looking for a move away from San Siro. The Ivory Coast international initially joined the Rossoneri on loan back in 2017 from Atalanta before the move was made permanent last summer.
Kessie, though, has been just one of many players who have struggled in an inconsistent AC Milan side and now looks set for a January exit. Arsenal are reportedly interested in securing the services of the Ivory Coast international.
Italian outlet Corriello dello Sport (h/t Daily Mirror) have reported that another London club, West Ham United are also interested in the 23-year-old midfielder as they also look to strengthen their midfield in the January transfer window. Kessie is valued around £20 million by Milan and if the deal happens then it will be a great move for multiple parties.
Arsenal have been advised to make a move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfried Ndidi as well and Mikel Arteta has confirmed that there will be reinforcements in January only to strengthen the club’s position in the English Premier League.
The Arsenal boss admitted that the club is working on some targets in the current window, but without any luck. Kessie could be a viable target for Arsenal, with Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira the only senior midfielders at Arteta’s disposal.
Arsenal have had their fair share of issues with holding midfielders and Kessie is a type of player the Gunners need currently. The 23-year-old can play in advanced roles or just ahead of the backline, providing stability and defensive cover. He also possesses decent ball holding abilities and can play his part in Arsenal’s system with his precision passing.
West Ham United also are interested in Franck Kessie as their new manager, David Moyes wants to bring in changes in the starting lineup, with the team sitting only a point above the relegation zone. Therefore Kessie has emerged as a prime target for the Hammers as well, especially in the wake of Manchester United’s interest in Declan Rice.
It now remains to be seen if a January departure from San Siro sees the light of the day for Franck Kessie, with Arsenal and West Ham United keen on securing his services.
