AC Milan are growing concerned that interest from Paris Saint-Germain could see Liverpool and Tottenham target Franck Kessie refuse to sign a new contract, per Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Ivorian is out of contract at the end of the season and despite his public declarations of wanting to stay at the San Siro long-term, is yet to agree to a new deal. Instead, discussions between Milan and Kessie’s agent, George Atangana, seem to be heading toward a split.
AC have gradually increased their offers since first opening dialogue with Atangana over an extension. The Serie A side have moved from an initial €4m-a-year (£66k-p/w) to €6.5m-a/y (£107k-p/w), but remain short of his €8m-a/y (£132k-p/w) request, which PSG would pay.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari owners are willing to offer Kessie €8m-a/y with a further €2m (£1.7m) in bonuses to leave Milan. The Ligue 1 giant’s advances concern AC chiefs Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara, after Gianluigi Donnarumma joined PSG on a free transfer.
Liverpool and Tottenham chiefs may also be wary of Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in Milan dynamo Kessie. Calciomercato.it claim Spurs may offer Tanguy Ndombele in exchange for the 24-year-old. While Les Parisiens may offer Mauro Icardi or Leandro Paredes. With the Rossoneri preferring to sell in January to avoid another star player leaving the club for free.
Additionally, Gazzetta noted over the weekend that Liverpool remain interested in Kessie, but would rather wait until the summer. However, the Reds could struggle to poach the midfield enforcer on a Bosman with PSG showing intense interest.
Reports by Defensa Central note Leonardo is set on Kessie as Paris Saint-Germain believe Paul Pogba prefers Real Madrid. Both want the Frenchman, who is also a free agent next June, forming part of their rebuilds.
PSG to deny Tottenham or Liverpool signing AC Milan star Kessie?
Paris Saint-Germain’s proposed personal terms will frighten Milan in their attempts to keep Liverpool and Tottenham target Kessie. The Rossoneri have already considerably increased their offer, but remain shy of the Ivorian’s demand and what PSG would pay.
Les Parisiens’ proposal should also frighten the Reds and Spurs in their pursuits of the 44-cap star. Leonardo is clearly intent on the Olympic quarter-finalists moving to the Parc des Princes if Pogba veers toward Real Madrid. Knowing the midfielder, who scored 14 goals and six assists in 50 games last season, is the complete package.
“Franck is a complete player,” AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli said, via Forbes. “He gives us physicality, energy, quality, protects the defence and knits the moves going forward too.
“He has this eternally positive mentality during the matches, he’s the first to help out a teammate or reassure them. This is a young side that needs guidance and encouragement, so Kessie is invaluable in that sense.”
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