ARSENAL have made another approach for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie this month.
The Ivorian, 23, has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and according to Corriere Dello Sport, interest has spiked between both Arsenal and West Ham.
Arsenal’s interest have asked AC Milan about a potential deal for midfielder Franck KessieCredit: Reuters
Both clubs are said to have had Kessie ‘in their sights’ for a while and have sent initial enquiries about him this month.
Arsenal are thought to be on the look-out for a more powerful and dynamic central midfielder, and Kessie offers just that.
The Italian giants are prepared to sell for around £21.2million.
Primarily a defensive-mid, Kessie flourishes when given the licence to roam and support the attack.
His key attributes include a forward thinking mind-set, a box-to-box engine and an appetite to press opponents early.
The AC Milan midfielder is not a goalscorer but he is the playmaker that Arteta’s men are missing. His tenacity, power, pace and energy levels are what Arsenal need in the centre of the park.
The 39-cap Ivory Coast international could form a strong midfield partnership with Matteo Guendouzi.
The signing of Kessie would be a monumental move for Arsenal as they have lacked a commanding ball winner in front of the back four since the departure of Patrick Vieira.
Kessie could also be the ‘change in energy’ Arteta asked his players for before Christmas as he offers a midfield engine that can seamlessly transition between the attack and defence.
Arsenal are not the only English club to have enquired about the Ivorian.
With David Moyes taking the reins at West Ham, the club have been on the hunt for a defensive midfielder.
With a first-choice anchorman being prioritised in the January transfer window, it is said the Hammers have approached AC Milan about Kessie.
This added interest from East London could interfere with Arsenal’s potential signing.
Franck Kessie could be the ‘change in energy’ Arteta has been asking for.Credit: AFP or licensors
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
