Italian Serie A club Juventus have opened negotiations with Al Ahli over the possibility of signing Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie.
The Old Lady have been very busy this January, as they have been at the center of many transfer reports. They have been linked with players like Jean-Philippe Mateta, Youssef En-Nesyri, Federico Chiesa, and a few others.
This does not come as a surprise, as they sit 5th in the Serie A, with 29 points from 21 games. They are three points below the UEFA Champions League qualification spots, and 10 points behind leaders Inter Milan. As such, they are looking to get some reinforcements to help boost their campaign in Italy.
The latest player on Juventus’ radar is Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie. The 29-year-old midfielder left Europe three years ago, joining Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli from Barcelona. Since then, he has been one of the best midfielders in the Saudi Pro League.
Now, according to Italian transfer expert Nicolo Schira, Juventus have opened talks to sign Kessie this month. The former Barcelona star’s contract at Al Ahli expires in the summer, and the club have been in talks with him to sign an extension. But Kessie has been playing hardball.
The former Serie A Champions are willing to offer Kessie a three-year deal, while Al Ahli are trying to convince him to pen a two-year extension, which will likely be more lucrative.
If the Ivorian refuses to extend his deal at Al Ahli, the club will be tempted to sell him this month to avoid losing him for free. Per Transfermarkt, Kessie is valued at €12 million, so Juventus should be able to afford him.
He has loads of Serie A experience, having played in Italy for seven years. So he will have no problem re-dapting to the environment at Juventus.
