Juventus request a meeting with Barcelona in the US to discuss 26-year-old star’s transfer

With Franck Kessie staring at an uncertain future at FC Barcelona, Juventus have emerged as a serious suitor for the midfielder’s signing.

The 26-year-old had a mixed debut campaign in Catalonia and with competition for places only increasing with the arrival of Ilkay Gundogan, Kessie’s game-time will likely become even more limited.

So, even though he wishes to stay and succeed at Barcelona, the Ivory Coast international is warming up to the idea of a summer exit. And Juventus are pushing hard to sign Kessie.

The Bianconeri see the former AC Milan star as a viable candidate to replace Paul Pogba, who could be headed to Saudi Arabia. But Juve only wish to sign Kessie on a season-long loan deal with an option to purchase.

Barcelona, on the other hand, prefer to sell him permanently as it would help them with their Financial Fair Play situation. The Catalans want at least €15 million in exchange for the midfielder.

With talks ongoing, SPORT is now reporting that Juventus have requested a meeting with Barcelona in the USA later this week to discuss the transfer of Kessie.

Barça and Juve are set to face off against each other in a pre-season friendly later this Sunday. And the Italians wish to take advantage of it and hold a meeting with the La Liga champions in Santa Clara so as to make progress in their pursuit of Kessie.

The Bianconeri are changing much of their midfield department this summer and manager Massimiliano Allegri sees Kessie as a great fit into his plans with an important role in the team – something that has already been conveyed to the Barcelona star and his entourage.

As mentioned earlier, Juventus prefer a loan deal with a buy option, but Barcelona are not considering that possibility and want a minimum fee of €15 million.

The Serie A giants are in the process of parting ways with some players which could generate funds to move for Kessie. And the meeting in the USA could lead to an agreement between the two clubs.

The midfielder, for his part, would prefer to continue at Barcelona. But the increased competition and Juve’s proposal could convince him to change his stance, although he has not given his OK for an exit yet.