Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly hoping to jump ahead of Premier League rivals and reach an agreement with AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in January.
According to the Express, Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to make an early contract offer to secure the signing of Franck Kessie from AC Milan on a free transfer. The Ivorian is attracting plenty of interest after rejecting a new deal from the Serie A heavyweights.
Franck Kessie will come to the end of a fifth season with Milan in May and could be on the move on a free transfer. The Ivorian has been in demand as it has become clear that he is unlikely to extend his contract with the Italian giants.
Milan were prepared to make him an attractive offer with a reported annual net salary of €5 million. However, Kessie has rejected the proposal and looks destined to move out of the club next summer. There is also no indication that the Italian side might revise their offer and shell out more money on the midfielder.
As things stand, with a free transfer imminent, some of the top clubs across Europe and England have formed a queue, vying for his signature. Kessie can talk to clubs outside of Italy and sign a pre-contract agreement in January over a summer move. Unsurprisingly, he already has many key offers on the table, including from clubs like Tottenham and Manchester United.
Tottenham, who have been in contact with his camp, are reportedly leading the queue of clubs angling for his signature. Having witnessed Kessie’s quality first-hand during his two-year managerial spell with Inter Milan, Antonio Conte is keen to bolster his side with a midfielder of the Ivorian’s quality.
Tottenham intend to challenge the top four this season despite their disastrous start to the season under former boss Nuno Espirito Santo. However, since Conte’s arrival, things have looked bright in north London, and the Italian is looking to stamp his authority by bringing in players of his choice.
Tottenham are hoping to jump ahead of their Premier League rivals to lure the Ivorian early by offering him an attractive contract in January and signing him up on a pre-contract agreement. It remains to be seen if Kessie is keen on a move to Tottenham after recent reports suggested he could prefer a move to one of the Spanish giants.
Manchester United are one of the English clubs keeping tabs on the Ivorian’s situation. The Red Devils are keen to bring in a new midfielder to give the area a different dimension and a refreshing change from current options like Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic to add steel in midfield.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also reportedly interested, as they are looking to bring in a new midfielder next summer. Last summer, Mikel Arteta wanted to sign a quality player in the position, although those plans were scrapped after Granit Xhaka stayed put. Arsenal remain keen on Kessie, as he could be available on a free transfer.
There is nothing decided on his future except that he could leave Milan on a free transfer at the end of the season. It remains to be seen if Tottenham beat Manchester United and Arsenal to get their man or end up losing him to some of the bigger clubs across Europe.
