Spalletti likes Kessie as Juventus & Atalanta eye moves for former Milan midfielder | OneFootball

Franck Kessie has been offered to both Juventus and Atalanta as the Ivorian midfielder seeks a return to Serie A following three seasons at Al-Ahli, with Juventus considered the frontrunners after Luciano Spalletti expressed his approval of the player following his impressive World Cup displays with Ivory Coast.

According to Tuttosport, via CalcioMercato, Kessie’s agents have made direct approaches to both clubs, with Juventus having tracked the midfielder for several months.

His performances in the tournament, including a goal against Germany, have reminded Italian football of a player who remains in excellent physical condition despite his time in Saudi Arabia.

Available on a free transfer, Kessie is seeking wages of between €4 and €5 million per season, significantly below the approximately €14 million he earned at Al-Ahli.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 18: Franck Kessie of Al Ahli controls the ball during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Fayha at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on April 18, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Atalanta also interested in Kessie but wage demands present smaller hurdle for Juventus

The move to Juventus is contingent on squad departures, with Carnevali needing to trim the midfield before space can be created for Kessie.

Atalanta are also monitoring the situation, Maurizio Sarri is a known admirer and the departure of Yunus Musah has left a gap in their midfield, but the financial demands of the operation represent a more significant hurdle for the Bergamo club than for Juventus.

As a free agent combining experience, physicality, leadership and goalscoring runs from deep, Kessie is considered one of the most attractive available midfielders on the market this summer.