Aston Villa have expressed their interest in Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, who could be allowed to leave the Camp Nou this summer.
The former AC Milan star has hardly featured since joining Xavi’s side on a free transfer a year ago, starting just six La Liga games, and with Barcelona struggling with their financial situation, they need to make some sales.
With Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu being added to Barcelona’s midfield roster, Kessie is a prime candidate to be moved on this summer, and Villa are one of a number of clubs interested.
Mundo Deportivo have reported that Villa and local rivals Wolves are interested in recruiting him, but Kessie may prefer to move to a club in the big six. However, Villa’s previous dealings with agent Jorge Mendes, who helped bring Unai Emery to the club, could stand them in good stead when it comes to a deal.
If none of the top six move for him, Villa can offer Kessie European football, and stand a better chance of landing him than Wolves do.
Should Villa move for Kessie?
Villa have already added Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby to their squad in what has been a fantastic transfer window, but it remains to be seen whether a deal for Kessie is worth pursuing.
The Ivorian typically plays as a box-to-box midfielder, and has been described as “very strong” by his manager Xavi, but Villa are well stocked in this area of the pitch with Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn all capable of playing a more advanced role alongside Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara.
If Villa do land Kessie, they will be adding a midfielder coming into his prime with La Liga and Serie A titles under his belt, but whilst he could be a good asset, he may not be a priority for Unai Emery and Monchi in this window.
