West Ham United target to be available for €35m: Should Pellegrini make a move?

AC Milan are looking to sell the Ivorian International Franck Kessie as offers from numerous clubs pour in.

According to a report from Calciomercato, the 22-year-old can leave San Siro this summer for a transfer fee in the region of €35m.

Kessie is on a two-year loan at AC Milan, who have an obligation to buy him for £24 million from Atlanta but will have to sell him immediately as they will have to adhere to financial fair play (FFP) regulations.

All the London clubs in Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea (if the transfer ban is lifted) and West Ham United, are interested in attaining the services of the right-footed Ivorian midfielder.

The 22-year-old managed 10 goal contributions from the midfield in 42 appearances for Milan across all competitions last term.

Should West Ham make a move for him?

Kessie is a versatile player who predominantly features as a central-midfielder and can also move into the defensive midfield role if the manager requires him.

He usually plays as a box to box midfielder, contributing heavily in both defensive and attacking phases of the game.

The 22-year-old’s playing style resembles that of former France international Patrick Vieira.

He managed an average pass success rate of 87.3% last season, which highlights his supreme passing ability on the pitch.

Kessie’s technical and physical capability makes him an all-around package, and his height helps him to neutralise aerial threats on the pitch.

The Milan midfielder possesses excellent anticipation and spatial awareness on the pitch which helps him cut out threats in his own half. The 22-year-old managed an average of 1.2 tackles and 1.4 clearances per game last season.

The Ivory Coast star managed good numbers while going forward, finishing the season with 1.5 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes, which highlight his ability to break forward and trouble opposition defences.

The 22-year-old’s potential is exploited to the core when deployed in a double pivot alongside someone who can defend and cover the back four.

This syncs in perfectly with the Hammers’ style of play who play a 4-2-3-1 system under Manuel Pellegrini. With players like Declan Rice and Mark Noble around him, Kessie can carry the ball in the dangerous areas in the final third and enjoy all the freedom on the pitch.

The Ivorian boasts the ability to succeed with the Hammers while his characteristics suit the Premier League to a large extent.

Seeing the young midfielder’s price tag and age, a move for Kessie sounds like a wise choice for the Hammers who are eyeing European places next season under the Chilean manager.

Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored