Barcelona are closing in on AC Milan‘s Franck Kessie as they look to add more depth to their midfield over the summer.
The Blaugrana are once again looking at the free-agent pool ahead of the next summer window.
Spanish outlet Sport claim Barcelona have made contact with the Ivorian midfielder. The 25-year-old has opted for a Barcelona switch, despite receiving better offers from England, Sport adds.
Kessie has demanded an annual salary of €5 million; figures that the Los Cules can reach. The former La Liga champions are keen on Kessie because of the attractive market opportunity that he brings with himself and a particular eye for goal.
Is Franck Kessie the midfield reinforcement that Barcelona need?
Barca’s midfield looks well-equipped for the future. Sergio Busquets, however, could be playing his last season at the club, before moving on to MLS. The veteran midfielder is keen on a stint in the MLS.
🚨 Barcelona are very close to completing the signing of Franck Kessié.
The Milan midfielder will arrive for free in the summer.
(Source: @sport) pic.twitter.com/EWYA3Uk8tB
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 28, 2022
Xavi currently has Frenkie De Jong, Nico, Gavi, Pedri, Riqui Puig and Sergio Busquets at his disposal. Puig will be sent out on loan next summer and with Busquets looking set to leave, Kessie will be a good fit for them.
The 25-year-old is solid, playing as a holding midfielder. Apart from carrying out his usual duties, Kessie has the knack of making forward runs. This explains why he has been able to find the back of the net five times this season.
Kessie has an average successful pass rate of 88% this season. He also averages 1.1 tackles per game and 0.8 clearances. Therefore, Barca’s interest in him is justifiable. He can also score from the spot like he was tasked with the penalty kick duty in the second half of the 2019/20 season.
The Ivorian is the type of player that Barcelona currently lack. He is aggressive on and off the ball, making him a perfect fit in Xavi’s system. His late runs into the opposition box make him a goal-scoring threat and on his day, he can win matches for the Catalans.
The deal is far from completion, and anything can happen before the start of the next season. So far, their transfers have been spot on with each of their new signings performing well.
If managed well, Kessie will become one of the best midfielders in his position, if not the best. Xavi could well be the man to unlock his true potential.