Tottenham Hotspur has set its eyes on AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessié to help improve their midfield.
The 24-year-old’s contract expires in June, and come January, the north London-based club could reach an agreement with Kessié on a pre-contract that kicks in next season and land him for free.
However, Milan isn’t ready to lose one of their key players without a fight. According to Corriere dello Sport (via MilanLive), the Serie A side plans to raise its offer to Kessié by proposing a higher annual salary.
The report states Paolo Maldini wants to offer a contract worth €6.5m net per season over five years; therefore, the deal would be worth €32.5m net without tax.
Nonetheless, Kessié’s agent George Atangana is currently standing by the €8.5m net, including bonuses that he wants for his client. It seems that both parties are way off, and it doesn’t appear as though they’re finding a middle ground in contract talks.
While this is bad for Milan, it spells good news for Tottenham, who now may know what it will take to secure Kessié to a contract. The Premier League side will have competition has Paris Saint-Germain is one of the clubs rumored to be in on the midfielder.