It’s widely accepted that Franck Kessie will leave Barcelona this summer after being labelled surplus to requirements by Xavi after the Barca manager strengthened his midfield with the signings of Oriol Romeu and ilkay Gündogan.
The one team who has constantly been linked with a move for the Ivorian midfielder is Serie A powerhouse Juventus.
According to a report in SPORT, Barcelona has set the asking price at €15 million, which would represent a good bit of business considering he joined the La Liga champions on a free transfer just 12 months ago.
Earlier this week it was reported that Juventus were willing to include Frederico Chiesa in a potential swap deal, but there is uncertainty around the forward within Barca management, and as such they would prefer a straight transfer.
Franck Kessie potentially heading to Juventus on a permanent transfer
Kessie made 28 appearances in the league for the Catalan club last season, but the vast majority of those (21) came as a substitute, often coming on for the last 20-25 minutes of the game to protect a lead.
It’s widely known that Barcelona need to reduce their wage bill this season while generating some revenue through player sales, the transfer of Kessie is the perfect opportunity to do both. Especially with Xavi still looking to bring in reinforcements at right back and central attacking midfield.
Kessie has over 200 appearances to his name in Serie A having also won the Scudetto with AC Milan, but reports have indicated that he is reluctant to make a return to Italy, instead preferring to test himself in either the Bundesliga or Premier League.
Unfortunately for him, there has been no reported interest from either league.
Barcelona will take on Juventus in their first pre-season game on Sunday night, which represents the perfect opportunity for all parties to come together to try and negotiate a deal.