9:57 AM ET — Kessié now one step away from Atalanta
Matteo Moretto reports that Franck Kessié is now one step away from joining Atalanta, as anticipated by Sky Sport.
The Nerazzurri have moved ahead in the race to bring the Ivorian midfielder back to Bergamo after negotiations with Juventus stalled, leaving Roma further behind.
8:31 AM ET — Kessié’s demands currently beyond Roma’s limits
According to Alfredo Pedullà, the financial conditions required to sign Franck Kessié are currently beyond Roma’s parameters.
The midfielder is reportedly seeking an annual salary of €4.5–5 million plus bonuses, a signing fee worth €5–6 million and agent commissions.
Pedullà adds that Kessié’s entourage hoped to use Juventus’ interest to strengthen its position in negotiations with Roma, but neither club has reached an agreement under the present demands.
Gian Piero Gasperini is personally pushing to bring the Ivorian midfielder to Roma after negotiations between Kessié and Juventus reached an impasse.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Roma remain interested in Franck Kessié and have maintained contact over a potential move. The midfielder has yet to decide his future, but a significant obstacle has now disappeared after Juventus failed to reach an agreement with him.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Juventus currently consider the operation frozen. Kessié had prioritized the Bianconeri for several months but is now free to evaluate alternative proposals unless the situation changes again.
Di Marzio adds that the former Milan midfielder has informed Juventus that the conditions required to complete an agreement are not in place. His future therefore remains open heading into the closing days of the transfer window.
Gasperini personally pushing for Kessié
Roma’s involvement may have contributed to the breakdown in negotiations. Eleonora Trotta reports that the Giallorossi appear to have presented different financial terms to Kessié, who has received direct calls from Gasperini in addition to those made by Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti.
Marco Juric and Mana Sport Roma add that Roma could attempt to sign Kessié even without first selling Neil El Aynaoui. Gasperini is personally pushing to persuade the 29-year-old to choose the capital and views him as a valuable addition to his midfield.
However, Roma’s ability to complete the operation may still depend on outgoing business. Kessié is now considering his options, while clubs from Saudi Arabia could also enter the race. The Giallorossi must determine whether they can accommodate the midfielder within the club’s financial restrictions.
Roma have already maintained contact with Kessié despite Juventus’ previous advantage, while El Aynaoui continues to attract interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga.
With Juventus stepping back and Gasperini leading Roma’s pursuit, Kessié’s situation has become one of the major stories to monitor before the transfer window closes.
Leave a Reply