George Atangana has given Liverpool and Newcastle hope of securing a transfer for Franck Kessie, by telling Calciomercato that AC Milan’s contract offer is ‘very far’ from reports.
Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport had claimed recently that the Ivorian turned down a £110k-a-week deal to renew until 2026. Kessie will be a free agent when his current terms expire next June, but wants £130k-a/w to stay in red-and-black.
Milan are unlikely to cave in and pay Kessie however much he wants, despite their desires to retain the 24-year-old. The Rossoneri could sell him in January to avoid a free exit, with Calciomercato also reporting £7.5m may be enough.
Liverpool and Newcastle are among the Premier League sides likely monitoring AC Milan’s negotiations with Kessie and his agent, Atangana. Tuttosport report the Toon are exploring his situation, while El Nacional claim the Reds could blow Barcelona out of contention.
Atangana has now given Newcastle and Liverpool hope of securing a transfer for Kessie, by rubbishing claims AC Milan offered his client £5.5m-a-year to extend his contract.
“For an important player, you always need a contract worthy of it,” Atangana said. “There was an official offer from the club and a request from the agent. But we are talking about figures very far from what you are referring to.”
As for speculation of a future away from AC Milan, Atangana added he has not spoken with Inter and does not need to sell Kessie to possible suitors.
“A footballer of Franck’s calibre does not need to be proposed to anyone. And in any case, I’ve never talked to Inter. For too long, the same things have been said incorrectly. I feel sorry for those who read them, believing them to be true.”
Atangana gives Liverpool and Newcastle hope of Kessie transfer post-AC Milan
Atangana confirming AC Milan’s offer for a new contract is ‘very far’ from reports will offer Liverpool and Newcastle hope of securing a deal in either the January or summer transfer windows. Should they look to beat the queue of potential suitors or wait for him to be free.
The Anfield hierarchy will take particular confidence from Atangana’s comments, given claims they are ready to spend big on Kessie. El Nacional report Liverpool are willing to pay Kessie a £25m signing-on bonus next summer, almost double Barcelona’s £13m bid.
That is a lot for a free agent, but Kessie – and Atangana – will feel he deserves to be paid comprehensively. The 43-cap Ivory Coast international has commanded the San Siro engine room over recent seasons. He also scored 14 goals and assisted six in 50 appearances last season, but has not offered any this term.
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