Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie is on Chelsea’s shortlist of transfer targets, according to Relevo.com.
The Spanish website claims that manager Mauricio Pochettino is a fan of the Ivorian international and he is considering the player as a potential replacement for Mateo Kovacic. There has been a mixed response among fans on Twitter to the Blues’ interest in Kessie:
Would be a good back up
— Alrik Johansson (@AlrikJohansson) June 28, 2023
I’m starting to question Poch talent id, Veiga and now Kessie😞
— 💙 (@KelvinFooty) June 28, 2023
Yes he was a beast in Milan.
— Sam Payton #CFC (@solidsendering) June 28, 2023
We don’t need him, better keep Santos or casadei
— Balozi (@Baloziproff) June 28, 2023
Wanyama 2.0
— Mawuli Kosi (@FuqiJama) June 28, 2023
We dont like and want him
— Victor Olaide (@7_S_E_R_I_E_S) June 28, 2023
If the coach thinks he fits his style, get him, we have spent alot on world class fancy players that Chelsea fans want and they didn’t work out, back the coach, so there won’t be any excuse for failing
— Duke Rollo (@RolloofViking) June 28, 2023
Better not be true.
— Adekunle Temitope (@Topealbert) June 28, 2023
I like it, get it done. Him and Caicedo please
— Talsea (@SillahTafsir) June 28, 2023
Kessie only joined Barca from AC Milan on a free transfer last summer but, despite making 43 appearances in all competitions, the midfielder only started seven league games.
It’s clear that, with Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan moving to the Camp Nou, Kessie will have even fewer minutes next season.
Kessie is open to moving to England
Relevo claim that the 26-year-old is open to playing in the Premier League so getting the approval of the player won’t be a problem.
A lot now depends on Pochettino and whether he sees Kessie as a primary target or simply as a backup option if moves for other players don’t work out.
Moises Caicedo appears to be the number one target for Chelsea
It has been widely reported that the Brighton midfielder is the priority in terms of strengthening the midfield this summer.
Reports have suggested a formal approach for Caicedo could be imminent but, even if the Blues do end up securing the Ecuadorian’s signature, they may need more signings in that area of the pitch.
In addition to Kovacic, N’Golo Kante has also left Stamford Bridge, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount could follow them out of the door. With that in mind, Kessie could still be considered for a squad player role.
