Spanish side Barcelona have reportedly joined Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie.
According to French media outlet Le10 Sport, Chelsea and Tottenham have more competition now that Barcelona have joined the race to secure the signing of Franck Kessie from Atalanta.
The 20-year-old’s performances in the Serie A have seen him attract interest from a number of top European clubs. In 16 league appearances, the Ivorian has already bagged six goals from midfield and has also provided a solitary assist.
Fellow Italian side Juventus were also keeping tabs on the up and coming midfielder, but are understood to be put off by Atalanta’s staggeringly high asking rate. Liverpool and Manchester United are also reported suitors of the youngster, and could step in once he is made available.
However, it shouldn’t affect the interest of the Premier League giants as they are backed by heavy financial muscle and also have a surplus of funds due to bumper TV broadcasting rights deals.
Also, FC Barcelona are one of the richest clubs in the continent, and their legacy and star power is by its own a bargaining chip to lure young talent to the Camp Nou. A number of youngsters have joined the Blaugrana and have gone on to become world beaters.
Kessie has an array of options to choose from and is likely to leave the Serie A club at the end of the season. He is at the developmental stage of his career and it would be better for him if he played with a higher quality of teammates.
In the current scenario, Tottenham are in dire need of a striker, and could move for the player in the January window itself. New signing Vincent Janssen has failed to live up to the billing, while Harry Kane’s form has been a tad erratic this term.
Spurs are looking to make headway in negotiations and are reportedly preparing a €23 offer for the player’s services. That being said, Atalanta are likely to stall any approaches so as to spark a bidding for the prolific Ivory Coast international.
