March 24, (THEWILL) – AC Milan’s Franck Kessie, has agreed to join Barcelona on a free transfer at the conclusion of the season, after his representatives ended talks with other rival bidders.
Barcelona have been tracking the AC Milan midfielder for months as they aim to add to their team with a handful of free transfers, due to ongoing financial constrains. Andreas Christensen of Chelsea and Noussair Mazraoui of Ajax are also on their wishlist.
Kessie is the player with whom talks have proceeded the most, with sources revealing that his representative has informed the Ivorian’s suitors, including Tottenham Hotspur, that an agreement to join Barcelona has been struck.
Spurs had long been interested in Kessie and made a proposal after receiving manager Antonio Conte’s consent, but Barcelona have won the race for his signature.
The agreement is anticipated to be finalised later this month, with Barcelona hoping to complete a deal for Christensen as well. Mazraoui’s negotiations are still ongoing, while Bayern Munich has reached out to the Ajax right-back.
Even if they can get Mazraoui, Barcelona want to sign Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, whose future at Stamford Bridge is uncertain due to the club’s impending ownership transition.
The Spain international’s contract is coming to an end, and while Chelsea have the option to extend it for another year, the club’s stance prior to the sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich was that if Azpilicueta did not want to stay, Chelsea would not trigger that clause as a show of respect for their long-serving captain.
However, it is uncertain whether the new owners would take a similar stance.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
