Arsenal’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie looks set to end in disappointment after the Corriere Dello Sport reported that the Ivory Coast international is close to signing for Roma.
The Italian side have reportedly agreed a €25m (£22m) fee with Atalanta for the 22 year old who the Sun have dubbed “the new Yaya Toure.” The player is expected to make the move at the end of the season.
The Gunners, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been confirmed as possible destinations by the player’s agent in the past. Speaking to the Guardian newspaper in December, George Atangana said that all five Premier League had registered their interest in the midfielder.
Nothing has been made official yet though so for now Kessie’s move to Roma is only speculation. Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport is however certain enough about the transfer that they believe midfielder Leandro Paredes will depart this month in order to make room for Kessie.
