The Rossoneri have suffered a major blow in their attempts to tie Ivorian midfielder down to a new long-term deal.
AC Milan could be set to lose another key player for free in twelve months, after already bidding farewell to Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu this summer. Both players were influential in AC Milan’s return to the UEFA Champions League, but after failing to reach an agreement regarding contract extensions over the summer, left to join PSG and Inter Milan, respectively.
Midfielder Franck Kessie could follow the same path next summer, reports La Gazzetta Dello Sport. The Ivorian has rejected the club’s latest offer of 6.5 million euros a year, as he enters the final year of his contract. The 24-year-old is said to be eyeing a deal worth 8 million a year plus 2 million further in bonuses.
Kessie reiterated his desire to stay in Milan this summer, with contract talks ongoing. The Ivory Coast international even rejected the chance to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur – if reports are to be believed.
However, should the club and the player fail to reach an agreement over the renewal, Milan would have to sell him in the winter window or risk losing him for free next summer.
Paris Saint–Germain are among clubs showing interest in Kessie, while reports in the past have linked the midfielder with moves to Premier League pair Liverpool and Chelsea.
The Parisians spent a considerable amount of money this summer but also concluded four deals for free, those of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Donnarumma.
The Ligue 1 runners-up could make a move for Kessie in January when he will be available for a reduced price owing to his rapidly expiring contract. Or, they could wait six months and try to sign him for free next summer.
