Exclusive: Roma set to trump Chelsea in race to sign Kessie
Chelsea could miss out on transfer target Franck Kessie with Roma interested in the young Ivorian, WhoScored can exclusively reveal via Emanuele Giulianelli.
The 20-year-old was part of the Ivory Coast squad that flattered to deceive at the Africa Cup of Nations this month as The Elephants crashed out of the competition at the group stages.
Kessie has thrived for Serie A outfit Atalanta this season scoring six goals - the joint-highest of central midfielders in Serie A - and registering one assist to return a WhoScored rating of 7.07.
Atalanta are making a push for a European finish, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side currently sixth in Serie A.
The Italian outfit are understandably keen to retain the services of Kessie and are commanding a top fee for the 20-year-old.
Chelsea have been closely monitoring the youngster for much of the campaign and have lodged a €32m (£27.2m) bid for him, but could be about to miss out on Kessie with Roma lining up an offer worth €35m (£29.9m).
The fee would be paid up front in cash or as €25m (£21.3m) with two young Roma players loaned to Atalanta to help cover Kessie's departure.
The transfer, though, won’t be completed until the end of the season provided Leandro Paredes, who has been linked with a move to Sevilla, remains a Roma player until the summer.
Should Paredes depart for Spain, however, Roma will make a last minute assault to bring Kessie to the Stadio Olimpico before the close of the transfer window.
Roma head coach Luciano Spalletti has asked specifically after Kessie following his excellent early season form and would be willing to end their interest in Sassuolo star Gregoire Defrel if the Rome side can secure the services of the Atalanta man this month.
For more stats on Franck Kessie, click here to view his WhoScored player page
