One of the stories of the season in Italy, Franck Kessié’s status in European football has certainly taken a sharp increase over the past few months with Atalanta.
The 20-year-old has been one of the key factors in his side’s strong season, chipping in with six goals in 19 league appearances despite being a defensive midfielder, and has attracted a lot of interest from bigger clubs around the continent, including Chelsea.
He said: “I read things in the press. I’m very flattered that clubs of that level are interested in me. It shows that I’m having a good season, that I’m continuing to develop. I can’t go too fast. I don’t know if my club received offers.
“I’m under contract. We’ll see if we have to chat. I like Bergamo, the town is nice, calm, and I like life in Italy, where I’ve been warmly welcomed.”
As well as Chelsea, clubs such as Liverpool, both Manchester clubs and AS Roma were all linked with a move for the Atalanta star, with the latter reportedly coming very close to a deal in January.
Clearly enjoying himself in Serie A, Kessié’s words to So Foot suggest he could very well stay in Italy a while longer, perhaps moving to a bigger club there, before moving abroad to try something different.
Kessié did agree to move to Sunderland last summer, with the deal failing due to work permit problems. That shows the player has some desire to play in England, and Chelsea are obviously a much more enticing prospect.
Chelsea wouldn’t face the same work permit problem in the next window because of Kessie’s international recognition since then, and the large fee Conte would likely have to sanction.
