West Ham United are big fans of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie but may have to shatter their transfer record to sign the Ivory Coast international, as reported by Milan Live.
While city rivals Inter have moved into pole position at the top of the Serie A table, the Rossoneri are determined to ensure an impressive 2020/21 campaign is no false dawn.
However, if Milan are serious about establishing themselves as Scudetto challengers for years to come, they can’t afford to lose their two most influential midfielders in the same summer.
Hakan Calhanoglu has yet to sign a new contract and will become a free agent in July.
Kessie, meanwhile, has just 16 months remaining on his deal. So while Milan still have time on their side, the seven-time European champions are determined to tie Kessie down as soon as possible amid rising interest from across the continent.
Tottenham and Arsenal have been linked recently.
Milan Live backs up those claims while throwing Real Madrid and an ambitious, Champions League-chasing West Ham side into the mix.
Kessie is valued at about £45 million, despite the fact he will be a free agent in 2022. That, in itself, highlights just how valuable he is to the most talented AC Milan side in a generation.
Gazzetta dello Sport, meanwhile, reports talks over a new deal are ongoing. Milan want to tie Kessie down until 2026, with the former Atalanta youngster expected to be offered a substantial pay rise.
“The most physically dominant? I wouldn’t say (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but rather Franck. It’s truly absurd,” said Milan teammate Davide Calabria last year, claiming Kessie is stronger than the legendary Juventus number seven (Football Italia).
“He doesn’t work much in the gym but has a crazy physique. You can’t move him. You can run 50 yards to have a go – but you still bounce off him.”
With the bidding starting at about £45 million, West Ham may have to offer a record-breaking sum before Milan are even willing to enter negotiations.
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