West Ham’s interest in AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie appears never fading, as Calciomercato have again linked the Irons with the 6ft star.
The Hammers had been linked with the Ivorian back at the start of March, but a move appeared unlikely at the time as Kessie was very much an untouchable member of Gennaro Gattuso’s side, who had already waved away offers of €40million (£34.7m).
Since then, however, the on-loan midfielder – who the Rossoneri have an obligation to buy in the summer for an additional €20million (£17.3m) – has hit the headlines in Italy for his antics on the field.
First, he reacted angrily to being substituted in the Milan Derby and was forced to apologise for a touchline flair-up involving teammate Lucas Biglia, following a crunch meeting with club chiefs to discuss his future at the San Siro.
Kessie then followed it up by holding aloft the jersey of Lazio centre-back Francesco Acerbi, which led to the 22-year-old being slammed for his ‘shameful’ celebration.
This incident was not thought to have sparked a turn around in the mind of Milan’s Technical Director Leonardo, but it soon became clear he would be putting Kessie up for sale once his side complete their obligation to buy.
Now, the latest word coming out of Italy in Calciomercato is that the entire Rossoneri midfield have uncertain futures, and that we, and Arsenal, have sought above all to gain as much information on Kessie’s situation ahead of the summer window.
Leonardo and Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini are adamant that Kessie will only be sold for €40million (£34.7m), though, as they know they will not be short of sides lining up to tempt the 27-cap ace into a move.
Despite his turbulent end to the season, the 22-year-old has only missed four Serie A games this term – once through injury and twice through suspensions. The Ouragahio-born ace has also been involved in seven goals in that time (five scored, two assisted), as well as playing regular minutes in his side’s Coppa Italia run which ended in the Semi-Finals.
