Aston Villa have made Franck Kessie a ‘very interesting’ offer to reject Barcelona and join Steven Gerrard’s side in a free summer transfer from AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.
Kessie is out of contract at the end of the season after five-years at the San Siro. He joined the Rossoneri from Atalanta in 2017 in an initial two-year loan before joining for £24.5m.
The Ivorian dynamo has proven to be one of Serie A’s elite midfielders over his years in red-and-black. He has commanded the Milan engine room from the deep-lying position and has offered five goals so far this term. Kessie also struck home 13 and assisted six last season.
But while Kessie is an integral part of Stefano Pioli’s side, he feels this summer is the time to leave. The 25-year-old has elected against renewing his contract with Milan and will not stay in Italy, either. Even though Inter Milan made tentative enquiries into his availability.
Instead, Kessie will embark on a new challenge and has already received four offers. The most interesting project is from Barcelona, but the best terms are in the Premier League.
Aston Villa make Kessie ‘very interesting’ offer to snub Barcelona move
A free transfer to Barcelona excites Kessie, but Aston Villa have made the AC Milan star a ‘very interesting’ offer. He is now studying his options for next season so as to not regret his decision. But Kessie is likely close to mapping out where he intends to play next term.
Barcelona’s offer would see Kessie earn more than if the Aston Villa target were to stay at AC Milan. Sport Mediaset report the Spanish giants have tabled a €6.5m-a-season (£104k-a/w) contract, whereas the Rossoneri offered €5.8m-a/s (£93k-a/w) last month.
It remains to be seen what wage Aston Villa have suggested to Kessie’s agent in order to beat Barcelona to a free transfer for the AC Milan star Pat Nevin lauds as ‘very special’. Per Spotrac, Danny Ings is the Villans’ top-earner currently on a £120k-a-week contract.
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