Aston Villa have, shockingly, been added to the list of clubs vying for the signature of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie. The midfield maestro has been making headlines in the last couple of months and it has continued to look like he might be playing for another club in a other league starting from this summer. Villa have been linked with a sensational transfer swoop for the Milan star, espite reports that suggest the Serie A star is close to agreeing terms with Barcelona.
The 25-year-old is considered as one of the best midfielders anywhere in Europe and has long been linked to a Premier League switch, with Arsenal and Manchester United said to be battling for his signature. Kessie is out of contract at the end of the season after five years at the San Siro, despite holding negotiations with the Serie A club throughout the season.
No breakthrough has been made in those talks, which will pave the way for his exit at the end of the season. The Ivory Coast international is said to be closing in on a free transfer to Spanish giants Barcelona, according to Sport, yet reports in Italy claim Villa have submitted a proposal. Calciomercato claim Villa have joined the race for his signature with an 'interesting offer', while top Premier League sides also admire the midfielder.
Though, while Kessie is set to leave AC Milan this summer, only six months ago was he adamant over his future in Italy. According to him, he is proud to have decided to join and play for AC Milan, claiming that he is happy at the club and is not even thinking about playing for another club. He said he is solely focused on helping the Italian Serie A giants to fight for titles this season and beyond, making a potential move away from Italy slightly impossible.