Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea in talks to sign £30m midfielder but this problem could scupper deal
CHELSEA are interested in Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie.
Franck Kessie shows off his skills and talent on the pitch
That is according to the Daily Mail, who say the Premier League leaders are currently in negotiations with Atalanta for the 20-year-old.
But Chelsea could decide to look elsewhere as they are reportedly reluctant to meet the Serie A side's £30million asking price.
Antonio Conte is looking to bring in another midfielder this month to replace Oscar, who left for Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG in a £60m deal.
Atalanta want £30m for Chelsea target Franck Kessie
Franck Kessie has scored six goals for Atalanta this season
The Blues are also interested in Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi, 28, and have been linked with a move for Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko, 22.
Kessie's agent George Atangana recently admitted a host of Premier League clubs are interested in the Ivory Coast international.
He said: “We have a lot of interest from the Premier League. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Franck Kessie will help Ivory Coast defend AFCON title
“I cannot say at this stage how much he will cost but we are talking about one of the best young players in the world.
“But for us the most important thing is that the technical project is the right one for him. Franck is very, young so we have to be very careful about his development.”
Kessie, who has joined up with the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, has scored six goals in 16 appearances for Atalanta this season.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?