Juventus remain active in their search for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new season, and one of the names that continues to attract attention is Franck Kessié.
According to Tuttosport, the former AC Milan star has once again emerged as a serious option for Luciano Spalletti’s squad, with the Bianconeri exploring the possibility of signing the Ivorian on a free transfer.
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Kessié recently became a free agent after bringing an end to his successful spell with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
During his time in the Saudi Pro League, the Ivory Coast captain established himself as one of the team’s key players while also earning a lucrative salary.
His availability without a transfer fee makes him an appealing market opportunity for Juventus, but convincing him to accept new financial terms remains the biggest challenge.
Salary Remains the Major Obstacle
As reported by Tuttosport, Kessié is currently asking for a salary exceeding €5 million per season. Those demands are considered too high for Juventus’ current wage structure and are unlikely to be accepted without negotiations.
The Turin club are determined to maintain balance within the dressing room, especially after the recent contract renewals of Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie.
Granting Kessié a significantly higher salary than two of the club’s established midfielders is not viewed as a realistic option, meaning any deal will depend on the player’s willingness to reduce his financial expectations.
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Ricky Massara Leading the Negotiations
Sporting director Ricky Massara is personally working on the operation.
Having previously worked with Kessié during their time together at AC Milan, Massara enjoys a strong relationship with the midfielder and hopes that connection can help bridge the gap between Juventus’ offer and the player’s demands.
Despite the financial hurdles, Juventus have not abandoned the pursuit. The club believes Kessié’s experience, physical presence, and winning mentality would provide valuable depth and quality to Spalletti’s midfield.
However, competition remains strong, with both Roma and Atalanta also monitoring the situation.
For now, Juventus’ strategy is clear: continue discussions, attempt to lower Kessié’s wage demands, and see whether a compromise can be reached that satisfies both the club and the player.
According to Tuttosport, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether the experienced midfielder returns to Serie A in black and white.