Chelsea talks ‘ongoing’ for highly-rated Serie A midfielder – report

Mark Scott
Franck Kessie: Hot prospect for Atalanta

Franck Kessie: Hot prospect for Atalanta

Chelsea may have to play the waiting game, but they are still in negotiations with Atalanta over a move for midfielder Franck Kessie.

The 20-year-old is currently away on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations, yet The Guardian believe his long-term future is being discussed by the two clubs in his absence.

The Serie A club reportedly rejected a £21.3million bid for Kessie in December, but Chelsea have not given up hope in signing the young star who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Atalanta are said to be holding out until the summer before reluctantly allowing Kessie to join one of the Premier League heavyweights and will only entertain offers in the region of £34million if they are to sell.

Meanwhile, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, is confident that they can keep Kessie despite the pressure being applied on them from Chelsea.

He said: “I am not worried as I don’t think that any player will leave in January. The club have every intention to keep the players until June and we may even strengthen.”