According to reports from Spain, Chelsea is considering signing Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, with Mauricio Pochettino an avid fan. The West London club is looking for a new midfielder this summer and wants a defensively conscious player to work with January 107m signing Enzo Fernandez.
They made one call for Manuel Ugarte from Sporting but he has instead opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain while they are now focused on Brighton's Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian had an outstanding season last season and Chelsea had rejected two offers in January before paying Fernandez's release clause, with Brighton now likely wanting in excess of 80m. If this deal proves to be too tough or too expensive, the Blues can look to a cheaper alternative and Kesey will definitely be their go-to.
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the Ivory Coast international is no longer keeping up with the demands at Camp Nou and Barcelona is actively looking for a buyer.
He was one of several players targeted as part of efforts to lure big names to Saudi Arabia and was subject to offers from Al-Ahly.
The Saudi club is prepared to pay Barca around 17m for the midfielder, who joined the club on a free transfer from AC Milan a year ago and pays him an annual salary of 8.6m.
But Kessey is still not convinced to leave European football and would be more open-minded about moving to the Premier League with Chelsea.
He is keen on the idea of ??testing himself in England, while Pochettino is a huge fan who had considered buying him when he was manager of Spurs and PSG. Chelsea have also been linked with a move in January. With N'Golo Kante leaving on a free transfer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek joining AC Milan, Mateo Kovacic joining Manchester City, and Mason Mount being chased by Manchester United, Chelsea has few options in midfield.
Even if they do sign Caicedo, the Blues will likely need more options in midfield and Kesi could be an ideal addition at an affordable price to provide competition and a more defensive presence alongside Fernandes.
Expecting things to be very busy this summer, Chelsea is currently working hard to sack a number of wingers, with their signing budget dependent on how much money they make from sales.
Kai Havertz has joined Arsenal in a 65 million deal, while four other players Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly could join Saudi Arabia as part of a west London swap, with the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson expected to also leave.
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