Barcelona rule out the signing of to-be free AC Milan midfielder

AC Milan superstar Franck Kessie is set to become a free agent in the summer transfer window and will be a man in demand when that happens.

One of the best performers in his position in Serie A, the 25-year-old has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Rossoneri since signing for them from Atalanta BC back in 2017. The Ivory Coast international, however, looks set to part ways with the Italian giants come the end of the season.

As things stand, Kessie is in the final few months of his contract with Milan. And as reported by SPORT, he has already rejected a new contract proposal worth €5 million per year from the club, with an exit emerging as the likeliest outcome.

Various clubs from across Europe have shown an interest in Kessie, with Barcelona also having been touted as suitors for the AC Milan midfielder.

However, as per the aforementioned report from SPORT, the Catalan giants have decided to end their pursuit of the Ivory Coast international.

It is claimed that strengthening the midfield area is not an urgent need for the Blaugrana considering the depth and quality they already have in the department.

So, if they were to sign Kessie in the summer, it would only be for the role of a squad member and not as a key starter. Given that, they are unwilling to meet his wage demands which are turning out to be too steep, considering their financial situation and the La Liga salary cap rules.

The report states that Barça would even be reluctant to offer the €5 million per year deal that Kessie has turned down from Milan. So, as things stand, the signing of the 25-year-old former Atalanta prospect is out of the question for the summer transfer window.