:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53305805/629133440.0.jpg)
According to Daily Star and the Metro, Manchester United are just one of the many European clubs that are interested in Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie, whose stock keeps rising week by week. Starting off as centre-back during his early days as a professional footballer, Kessie has been dubbed as ‘the next Yaya Toure’ in recent months.
It’s not a total surprise that the 20-year-old has been linked with the club, who told Italian newspaper, Gazzetta Dello Sport, that it’s his dream of playing for Manchester United one day. Keeping in mind that Michael Carrick could potentially be retiring in the summer, Kessie might be regarded as an ideal signing that United and José Mourinho could do with in the long run.
However, the Atalanta midfielder is yet to accomplish 25 appearances or more within a single season, so it might be important for Mourinho to see that he is not a one season wonder and he can complete a full campaign at the highest level. Otherwise, it would be bizarre to spend between £30million and £35million on an unproven player, whilst players like Tiemoue Bakayoko or Leandro Paredes could be brought in for that amount of money.
The rising Serie A talent, who is also close friends with defender Eric Bailly, has also been linked with a potential move to Chelsea and Arsenal during the January transfer window, but a deal was not put into place. Bagging six goals and one assist in 19 league appearances, Kessie is one of the few Atalanta youngsters that are having an impressive season at a personal level.
Despite the fact that the Red Devils are in need of a central midfielder, since individuals such as Marouane Fellaini, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Carrick may not remain at the club after this campaign, Kessie should not be seen as a priority target in that area. United could do with a player that is more proven and has played football at the highest level, especially if the manager is aiming for success in the league next year.
Other notable mention(s): Adrien Rabiot, Julian Weigl, Saul Niguez.