West Ham United have made a bid of £31million for young Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, according to Tutto Mercato Web.
The Italian news outlet claims that the Hammers have already submitted a hefty bid for the 21-year-old, but that it is considered too low by Gennaro Gattuso’s side.
Tutto Mercato also state that the player has an offer on the table from Chinese side Beijing Gouan but that the Ivory Coast international doesn’t want to leave Europe.
The midfielder is currently in Milan on a two year loan deal that includes an obligation to buy at the end, so it is unclear whether the Hammers would be purchasing him from Milan or his parent club Atalanta if they were successful in their negotiations.
He has played 10 league games for AC Milan this season, scoring two goals from central midfield.
Good move for West Ham?
Well, Kessie is a tremendously gifted footballer, that much has never been in doubt. He shone for Atalanta during his time there and has been a regular fixture in the Milan team since joining them in 2017. The Ivorian’s future remains unclear, though. Nobody seems to know whether he’s staying at Milan or going somewhere else or if they’re going to sign him and then immediately sell him. What is abundantly evident, though, is that if the Hammers were able to bring him in he would be a sensational signing. He has youth, technique and tenacity, and would bring ferocious bite to the West Ham midfield.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Tutto Mercato’s report states that Milan consider West Ham’s bid to be too low so that’s not particularly promising in and of itself. However, if the club really want the player they will surely return with an improved offer. Kessie will be in high demand, but it’s possible the Hammers could complete an audacious swoop.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10