Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie is reportedly set to join AS Roma, rejecting the advances of Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Sun are claiming that Chelsea and Manchester United are set to lose out in their pursuit of rising Atalanta superstar Franck Kessie. The Ivory Coast international, who has been likened to Manchester City’s Yaya Toure, is reportedly set to agree to a summer move to Serie A side AS Roma.
Franck Kessie is not just a prodigy, but a proven prospect in Serie A. The 20-year-old has taken the Serie A by storm, with six goals and two assists for Atalanta, proving to be a key cog in his side’s success story so far.
What is even more impressive is his tenacity and tireless playing style, something which has drawn praise from many corners. The player generated widespread interest in his services, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United all interested in the Ivory Coast international.
Manchester United have been looking for a replacement for Michael Carrick and an able partner to Paul Pogba, with Kessie providing the potentially perfect fit that could solve both the problems. Kessie himself had iterated his desire to one day play under Jose Mourinho, adding further fuel to the speculation.
Chelsea too have been looking to add to their midfield options, with Conte looking to beef up his squad as the Blues attempt to recapture the Premier League title in Conte’s debut season in England. The Italian has three viable options in Matic, Kante and Fabregas and has been eyeing a deal for Kessie as well.
Manchester United and Chelsea were, at different times, reported to be in pole position to land Kessie, with the Blues even having a recent bid for the 20-year-old rejected. Atalanta has been unwilling to part with any of their stars before the end of the season, and the bid was also lower than their valuation.
As per the latest reports, both Chelsea and Manchester United are resigned to lose out on Kessie, with the 20-year-old set to agree a summer move to AS Roma, after the Rome side swooped in with a late offer. Kessie will spend the rest of the season at Atalanta before making the switch in June.
It looks like both Chelsea and Manchester United will have to wait a few years before Kessie becomes available again. But whenever that does happen, there will not be any dearth of suitors for the 20-year-old as he develops at AS Roma.
