Real Madrid overtake Barcelona in the race for 24-year-old midfielder

After years of similar league table finishes and results, Serie A has been flipped on to its head over the last three seasons.

Atalanta have made a strong case as one of the most entertaining teams across the continent, while tactical brilliance in Milan has helped the revival of both Inter Milan and AC Milan.

The latter, especially, have come through at a time when no one expected them to, led by a certain Franck Kessie. After three back to back impressive seasons with the Rossoneri, the Ivory Coast midfielder has been linked with a move away with several premier clubs chasing his signature.

Barcelona are one team strongly rumoured to be in for Kessie, but according to El Nacional, the 24-year-old priosritises Real Madrid over the Blaugrana.

Kessie is set to become a free agent in 2022, with talks of a new contract not progressing in Milan. Both Madrid and Barcelona took the road of free agency last summer, with the former signing David Alaba, while the latter opting for Sergi Aguero, Eric Garcia, and Memphis Depay.

Milan might be forced to offload Kessie in January in order to avoid another Hakan Calhanoglu situation, but Barça might not be able to afford him even on a discounted price given their dire finances.

BU Opinion

Kessie would, without a doubt, be an excellent addition to Barcelona. He has been one of the best midfielders in the world over the last two seasons, and continues to impress for Milan.

Moreover, with Sergio Busquets at the last juncture of his career, the Ivorian could serve to be an excellent replacement. While he has mostly played in a two-man midfield most of his career, he has the attributes to excel as a sole pivot as well.

With Frenkie de Jong and Nico Gonzalez excelling in advanced roles, Kessie could solve the dilemma for a defensive midfielder while elevating the Blaugrana midfield head and shoulders above their rivals .