Juventus eye Barcelona midfielder as priority if Pogba leaves, could cost €15 million

Franck Kessie has been heavily linked with a move away from FC Barcelona this summer, only a year after he arrived at the club.

The 26-year-old failed to nail down a starting spot in Xavi Hernandez’s team in his debut season and his prospects are unlikely to improve in the upcoming campaign, especially with Ilkay Gundogan joining the club recently.

As such, Barcelona have told him that an exit would be in his best interests and even though he wants to succeed at the club, the Ivorian could be open to an exit if a good proposal arrives.

And according to reports in Italy, as relayed by SPORT, Juventus could be a potential destination for Kessie this summer.

The Bianconeri could be set to lose Paul Pogba this summer, with the Frenchman believed to be on his way to Saudi Arabia. As such, they have identified Kessie as a priority option to replace the former Manchester United superstar if he does depart for the Middle East.

Kessie is understood to be aware of the interest from Juventus and might be willing to consider the possibility of a move to the Allianz Stadium.

As for Barcelona, the La Liga champions would be happy to part ways with the Ivorian and rake in some cash from his departure.

With reports of interest from Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr doing the rounds, the Blaugrana were hoping to recoup at least €30 million from Kessie’s sale.

However, with Al Nassr turning their focus towards Jorginho, Juventus could be Barcelona’s best chance to offload Kessie. And the report adds that the La Liga champions could accept a bid of around €15 million or more from the Bianconeri.

Barcelona and Xavi want to resolve the situation with Kessie at the earliest possible and it remains to be seen if the interest from Juventus materialises into anything more.