When a new kid arrives on the block and impresses, it’s very easy to get carried away, and transfer rumours about said player are inevitable.
A good example of this this season is Atalanta’s Franck Kessié, and the latest news about Liverpool’s interest in him.
The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at AC Cesena, has impressed immensely since making his way into the first-team, scoring seven goals and picking up two assists in 17 appearances so far from a defensive midfield position.
Rumours that Chelsea had a €25m bid rejected circulated just before the transfer window started, but according to Corriere dello Sport, it’s Liverpool who are the keenest on the Ivorian.
Currently on international duty for the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast squad, Kessié is apparently one of Jürgen Klopp’s top targets at the moment, and would be willing to do whatever it takes to bring him to Anfield.
By that, Corriere mean Klopp would be prepared to ask the Liverpool board to spend €40m on the 20-year-old.
Atalanta, down their end, are quite happy with the situation, seeing their cheap find blossom into a great player, all the while looking forward to the great cheque they will be receiving when they do eventually decide to sell him.
Kessié, who has already made it clear he’s happy at the Serie A club, is unlikely to leave in January, but next summer, it could be a real possibility.
If his value has shot up to €40m in the space of six months, God knows what he’ll be worth if his form continues for the entire season. It seems unlikely Liverpool would be prepared to meet that price purely based on a good first half of the season.
