According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal are leading the race to sign AC Milan maestro Franck Kessie, who is also wanted by Tottenham.
What’s the story?
Well, the Italian news outlet believe Kessie is keen for AC Milan to triple his salary if he is to stay at the San Siro.
The 44-cap Ivory Coast international’s contract with AC Milan expires in June 2022, and he’s requesting €6 million-a-year to stay (£5 million).
However, AC Milan can only go as high as €4 million (£3.4 million), so the 24-year-old’s future is understandably in doubt.
Arsenal are ‘above all’ interested in signing Kessie, which comes as no surprise.
The Ivorian – who AC Milan value at €50 million (£43 million) – scored 14 goals and recorded six assists in 50 appearances last season.
Kessie has been one of Europe’s most interesting midfielders for a few seasons now – if Arsenal truly want him, they’ll have to fend off an old foe.
Franck Kessie’s agent makes Tottenham claim
According to Massimo Brambati – Kessie’s agent – Tottenham are interested in signing his client.
Brambati added that Inter Milan are also keen.
Now, it’s hard to tell at this stage who’ll win the race, as both north London clubs won’t be partaking in a major European competition next term.
However, in our view, Arsenal are better placed to sign Kessie.
The Gunners have Mikel Arteta in charge, whereas Tottenham are somehow still managerless.
In that respect, Arsenal will have surely organised their targets by now.
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