Roma Linked to Juventus and Inter Free Agent Target | OneFootball

Roma have joined the list of teams attached to Frank Kessié, who’s likely to leave the Saudi Pro League, although Al Ahli haven’t given up for now and offered him an extension, FootAfrica reports (via Mediaset).

The midfielder is keen on returning to Europe and to Serie A in particular. He’s been linked to Juventus and Inter in particular. The two Derby d’Italia rivals haven’t tendered an offer at this stage.

Kessié broke out under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, and his camp has tested the waters to see whether Roma could be interested. The Giallorossi are going through a time of major uncertainty. Director Frederic Massara is on his way out, and their final position will heavily influence their transfer market strategies.

The Giallorossi have rarely signed veterans in recent years, and meeting the Ivorian international’s demands could be a problem. After being covered in gold in the Middle Eastern league, he’s seeking around €4.5M per year. The sum isn’t too lofty, but the capital club is very careful with its payroll. They are offered significantly reduced rates to their current veterans. Still, a quality Bosman signing wouldn’t hurt, especially in the midfield. Manu Koné is one of the main candidates to depart to solve Financial Fair Play-related problems.

Our Take on Roma and Kessié

He’s not washed up, but if they even made a real effort to add him, it would mean that Gasperini is really pulling his weight around, as it’d be a significant detour from their MO. It remains to be seen whether his demands are really manageable. Eventually, he’d be a lot more useful as an addition rather than as Koné’s replacement.