Reported West Ham target Franck Kessie has poured cold water on talk of a move to the Premier League, suggesting that he wants to remain with AC Milan for years to come, when speaking exclusively to Italian media outlet Sport Mediaset.
Milan Live claimed earlier this month that the Hammers want to sign the powerful midfielder from Milan, and that the Serie A giants are prepared to sell him for around £25.6 million.
The 39-capped Ivory Coast international would be an excellent addition for West Ham. He is dynamic, has pace and power in abundance, and would really toughen up the Hammers’ soft core.
It seems as though Kessie will not be going anywhere soon, however.
The 22-year-old spoke exclusively to Sport Mediaset, and suggested that he sees himself staying at the San Siro for quite some time yet:
“If I wanted to leave, I would have already done it. I want to stay here for many years, a team that I’ve been supporting since I was a child. For me it’s a dream come true and I’ll always give my best for these colours.”
After those comments, it seems as though West Ham will now have to look elsewhere.
It is a huge shame for the Hammers, because Kessie is so perfectly suited to the Premier League.
With Mark Noble nearing the end of his career, it will be vital for West Ham to replace their ageing skipper soon.
Quite who the east London outfit will target now remains to be seen, however.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
