Spurs are now leading the race to sign Franck Kessie from Barcelona – a player Arsenal wanted in 2021.
That is according to SPORT in Spain, who believe Tottenham are fronting the queue for the Ivory Coast international’s signature, ahead of competition such as Inter Milan and Napoli.
What’s the story?
Well, it was the Express who revealed that Arsenal showed interest in Kessie back in December 2021 ahead of the January transfer window.
Eventually, the 25-year-old swapped AC Milan for Barcelona, but amid a difficult time at the Camp Nou so far, he could already be set for an exit in January.
SPORT believe Tottenham are interested in a permanent deal, whereas Inter Milan and Napoli want to try him out on loan first, which is why the north Londoners are leading the race.
The Spanish news outlet add that Antonio Conte knows the Barcelona No.19 very well.
Kessie – who was booed by AC Milan fans earlier in 2022 after rejecting a new contract – is said to want a more prominent role at Barcelona, having made just two starts in La Liga so far this season.
However, SPORT believe the Tottenham target knows he is up against some fierce competition in the midfield department, so an exit is certainly possible.
Spurs could embarrass Arsenal
In our view, Tottenham would earn bragging rights over their north London rivals Arsenal if they sign Kessie and he goes on to shine in the Premier League, after the Gunners missed out.
Mikel Arteta lost out to Xavi in the race to sign Kessie from AC Milan, and if Spurs go on to benefit from his difficult time at Barcelona, those at the Emirates Stadium could be made to regret their failure to sign him just months after losing out.
The Barcelona misfit is certainly capable of performing to a very high standard.
In the 2020/21 campaign – the last season in which his career was settled and he was playing regularly – Kessie scored 14 goals and provided six assists from midfield, which is a fantastic return.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as we could soon see the Ouragahio-born midfielder at Tottenham.
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