Serie A midfielder ready to reject Real Madrid in favour of Barcelona

Franck Kessie is a man in demand heading into the new year as his contract with AC Milan runs out in the summer of 2022.

The Ivory Coast international has been one of the Rossoneri’s most consistent performers since arriving in 2017 and has carved out quite the reputation for himself. While he is a valued member of the team, the talks over a new contract have not gone to plan, leaving his future up in the air.

The likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Liverpool have all been credited with an interest in the former Atalanta ace. But, it is Barcelona and Real Madrid who have emerged as the frontrunners for the signing of Kessie reports El Nacional.

Real Madrid are interested in the Ivorian as Florentino Perez does not wish to pass up on the chance of adding a player of his quality on a free transfer. To that end, the Merengues president is ready to offer the midfielder a bigger pay packet than what he currently earns at AC Milan and what Barcelona would offer.

As for Barcelona, their interest in Kessie dates back to last summer when Ronald Koeman wanted to add a physically powerful box-to-box midfielder to his ranks. While they moved on to a different target in Georginio Wijnaldum, who eventually snubbed them, the Catalans find themselves hot on the trails of the AC Milan star again, with Xavi being keen on his signing.

And, the report states Kessie himself would prefer a move to Barcelona over Real Madrid. It is because the 24-year-old believes that he would have a more central role at Camp Nou, compared to Real Madrid, where he will have to compete with the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga.

While the Ivory Coast international would still have some competition at Camp Nou, there remain some question marks over the future of Frenkie de Jong, which could catapult him into a starting role. Furthermore, the report adds that, despite Barca going through a rebuild, the Milan star has faith in the project and believes that the club will be back at the top in a few years.

So, as things stand, it may be advantage Barcelona in the race to sign Kessie come summer.