Manuel Pellegrini does not seem completely happy his squad at West Ham United as the club continue to be linked with a plethora of talent from around Europe.
And the latest player on their radar is AC Milan star Franck Kessie. A report from Milanlive claims that the Serie A side are ready to let Kessie leave in January will want around €30m for his services.
The likes of Wolves and AS Monaco from France are also linked with a move for the midfielder. But is he a player the Hammers should sign?
Kessie and his struggles
Having made a name for himself with Atalanta in his first season in the topflight of Italian football, Kessie was then regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Europe.
He spent the next two years on loan at AC Milan making 71 league starts registering 12 goals and five assists.
Kessie has been a regular in the first team this season as well, starting 10 of the 14 Serie A games, playing either side of Ismael Bennacer in a three-man midfield. However, he has been anything but impressive in those games, costing his side points on more than one occasion.
The report from Milanlive claims that Stefano Pioli, the current manager in Milan, is convinced that he is not the right man for the future of the club and is ready to let him leave.
The 22-year old is an excellent dribbler, who loves to have the ball at his feet. He is quick in transition and is adept at recycling possession, while also showing an ability to take up dangerous positions in the final third.
He is not a creative player but is adept at providing cover for his backline when needed. Lack of concentration has been an issue this season but a move to England could do wonders for his confidence.
Are West Ham and Kessie the right match?
Though struggling in the points table, West Ham have a decent squad that can beat even the best of sides in the competition on their day.
But Pellegrini does not have too many options for his midfield roles, a problem that has surely affected his style of play.
Declan Rice and Mark Noble seem to be only options Pellegrini trusts for deeper midfield roles, keeping Carlos Sanchez on the bench. Nathan Holland is still young and will get his chance, but West Ham certainly need another central midfielder in the next couple of transfer windows.
So the chances to sign Kessie is one they cannot miss.
The Ivory Coast international can act as the link between the backline and the attack and his threat on the counter improves this West Ham side.
The pace of the Premier League will also suit Kessie’s style of play and he would a long-term replacement for Mark Noble, who is now 32.
At €30m, he is not too expensive for a signing in the winter transfer window and Pellegrini should try and get this deal done quickly.
