Tottenham hopes over with target ‘excited’ by Barcelona move and Chelsea pair next in line
Tottenham’s chances of signing Franck Kessie look to be officially over after a trusted transfer guru claimed the midfielder was on the brink of securing a move elsewhere.
The Ivory Coast midfielder, 25, has been on Fabio Paratici’s radar for several months with his deal expiring this summer. Indeed, the Tottenham director saw an apporoach to sign him in January fall short with Kessie deciding to see out the season in Milan.
Tottenham are not alone, though, in their interest for the talented midfielder. Indeed, the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle are also on the trail of the all-action star.
However, reports this week claim La Liga giants Barcelona have seemingly won the race.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the midfielder will be moving to the Camp Nou on a free transfer this summer.
Negotiations have been finalised for a five-year deal which will see Kessie earn £5.5m per year plus bonuses.
That equates to £105,000 a week – and it’s reported that Kessie could have earned a higher salary by moving to the Premier League.
Now trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has lifted the lid on how Kessie was lured to Catalonia.
He claims the midfielder was persuaded to make the move following talks with coach Xavi Hernandez. He claims the midfielder is ‘excited’ to he joining the LaLiga giants and that a verbal agreement on the move has been secured.
The news will come as a blow though for Tottenham, who saw Kessie as an ideal addition to Antonio Conte’s side.
Barcelona want three more free agents after Kessie
Barcelona, however, are unlikely to stop with the signing of Kessie.
Inded, they are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of three other free agents this summer, including two more Chelsea.
Barcelona smart business ready to put them back amongst Europe’s elite
Barcelona look likely to sign Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all on free transfers this summer which is smart business compared to their past moves
Next on their agenda is Chelsea centre-half Andreas Christensen.
The Dane’s deal expires this summer and, currently, is unable to sign an extension.
With time ticking away, Barcelona sense an opportunity to lure the 25-year-old to the Nou Camp.
He never lets Chelsea down when called upon and his exit will come as a big blow.
The Blaugrana face a tougher task, though, in convincing Cesar Azpilicueta to jump ship.
The 32-year-old, nicknamed Dave, has been at Stamford Bridge since 2012, making well over 450 appearances.
However, he too, like Christensen, has a deal that expires this summer.
Xavi is also looking to bring in Ajax right-back Noussair Mazaroui.
He’s also wanted by Arsenal and Leeds, though the 24-year-old has denied already agreeing a move to Barca.
Speaking after Ajax’s Champions League elimination on Tuesday, he said: “I haven’t signed anything with Barcelona yet.
“There’s nothing concrete, I’m not even close to doing it. Otherwise I’d be honest and say so.”
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