West Ham have joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in pursuit of AC Milan ace Franck Kessie, according to reports emerging from Italy.
According to TuttoSport via Calcio Mercato, West Ham have “set their sights” on AC Milan midfielder Kessie. AC Milan are keen to keep Kessie, though, and rejected Wolves’ previous bid of €40m (just shy of £35m) for him.
This report by Calcio Mercato adds that it could take up to €60m (more than £50m) to convince AC Milan to part ways with Kessie.
Who is Franck Kessie?
Kessie is an energetic central midfielder who has spent his entire senior career in the Italian leagues. The 25-cap Ivory Coast international moved to Italy in 2014, joining Atalanta.
And after three years at Atalanta and a loan spell at Cesena, AC Milan won the race for Kessie back in summer 2017 and he has been there ever since.
The 22-year-old has played over 150 senior matches so far in his career, despite his young age. And nearly 100 of those have come in Serie A. This season, Kessie has scored four times in 34 matches, taking his career tally to 20 goals.
West Ham in need of midfield reinforcements
Central midfield is an area that Manuel Pellegrini is likely to bring in reinforcements when the summer transfer window opens.
Declan Rice is thriving in the holding midfield role but the Hammers need more strength in depth in this department. Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang and Manuel Lanzini currently compete for the starting central midfield spots.
Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez can also play there but have been out for most of the season, while Robert Snodgrass has filled in when needed.
Kessie has the ability to walk into the starting line-up and bolster the Irons’ current options if he moved to the Premier League.
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