Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Franck Kessie is the subject of interest from Arsenal and Manchester United over a move in the summer transfer window. AC Milan are eager to tie the Ivory Coast international to a bumper new deal to ward off the suitors.
Kessie has evolved into one of the most complete midfielders in Serie A since joining AC Milan from Atalanta in the summer of 2017. Initially signed on a two-year loan deal, the 24-year-old took little time to make an impression at San Siro and is now an indispensable figure for the Rossoneri.
Till date, Kessie has turned out 171 times for AC Milan, with 26 goals and 12 assists to show for his efforts. His progress has not gone unnoticed, with a number of top clubs across Europe showing an interest in him over the last couple of years. Ahead of this summer’s transfer window, it is Arsenal and Manchester United who are looking to make a move for the Ivorian.
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta currently has four central midfielders at his disposal in Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Dani Ceballos and Mohamed Elneny. While Elneny is only a bit-part player for the Gunners, Ceballos’s loan deal expires in the summer and it is not certain that he will return to the Emirates.
That leaves Arteta with just two central midfielders who are capable of being regulars, meaning it is necessary for Arsenal to enter the market this summer, and with that in mind, they have targeted a move for Sander Berge, with Kessie a viable target as well. As for Manchester United, their need arises due to the phase that Nemanja Matic is in his career.
The Serb is on the wrong side of 30 and is nearing the twilight of his career and will need to be replaced soon. With that in mind, Kessie is just the kind of player who can add some much-needed dynamism to their midfield, similar to like how someone like Ilaix Moriba could.
Kessie recently impressed against Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have had a good look at the 24-year-old. Having said that, AC Milan are eager to keep Kessie away from the clutches of Arsenal and United and are trying to tie him down to a new deal. What now remains to be seen is if the Rossoneri do agree terms on a renewal or if one of the suitors can swoop him away.
