Tottenham given a huge boost on Franck Kessie chase

Fabio Paratici may again look to Franck Kessie in the summer transfer window, as a potential player to add some quality to Antonio Conte’s current squad.

The midfielder has scored five goals in 18 Serie A appearances so far this season for AC Milan, who are currently top of the league.

With no deal agreed with his current club, the 25-year-old’s contract will be up in the summer, meaning a move away from Italy could be on the cards.

football.london reported on the final day of the January transfer window that Spurs had had an offer rejected for the Ivorian, in a window which saw them have eight departures and just two incomings.

Kessie has made over 200 appearances for AC Milan, since his arrival in 2019 and the 25-year-old has more experience than a number of the current Spurs players, albeit not in the Premier League.

The midfielder has physicality and quality and this along with his experience could make him an ideal option for Conte and someone that Paratici has previously targeted.

Fabrizio Romano explained that there had been no agreement made with any club, Kessie hadn’t made his final decision and the “race [is] still open.”

On top of these reports which could already be a boost for Spurs, the Express reported on Friday that the player’s excessive demands have meant there has been difficulty in trying to sort a new contract.

The Italian outlet (via the Express) have claimed that Kessie’s entourage are looking for a deal around the £150,000 per week mark (£7.5m a year), whereas Milan were hoping for closer to the £5m a year margin – indicating that it could be a big deal if Spurs have the chance and decide to pursue one.

“I have never even thought of leaving the club and no one here asked me to do so,” the midfielder admitted. “Wearing this shirt, which is like a second skin to me, is a source of pride for me and my family.”

However, with a deal not currently having been agreed, his future in Italy is uncertain and other comments he made nearly a year and a half ago could provide a further boost for Tottenham.

“I am already a veteran of the squad and I need to lead by example,” Kessie said. “Wearing this shirt is an honour as well as a responsibility. We represent millions of fans around the world and we all work hard every day to bring AC Milan back where it belongs.”

If the Lilywhites do target the midfielder in the summer transfer window, it won’t come without a likely battle from a number of other European clubs and with the Ivorian’s current market value sitting at £43.2m it would take a big offer from Tottenham to make the signing happen.