Roma surprise move for Kessié! Gasperini try to beat Juventus to him

Roma are trying for the midfielder, whom Gasp has already coached at Atalanta

Roma made a surprise move on Tuesday evening for Franck Kissié, despite Juventus having tracked him for a long time, including in the last few hours. According to Sky, Gian Piero Gasperini's side have forced their way into the race for the former AC Milan midfielder, now a free agent after his spell in Arabia. Gasperini has already coached him at Atalanta. Kessié's possible arrival at Roma could lead to the departure of Manu Koné or Neil El Aynaoui.

Juventus’s position

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on his official X profile, Juventus stepped up talks today in their bid to sign Franck Kessié.

The Old Lady want to wrap the deal up as quickly as possible and this really could be the decisive week to get it over the line. Juventus are discussing contract terms with the Ivorian's entourage. They are trying to put those terms in black and white with everyone handling Franck Kessié's interests after Arthur's departure was unlocked.

What still needs to happen? Juventus first want to complete Miretti's sale to Turkey, to Dusan Vlahovic and manager Vincenzo Italiano's Besiktas. Once the Italian has become a new player for the Turkish club, the savings on wages will be used to close the gap and sort out the remaining details with Kessié.

There is a note of caution over the Saudi Pro League, however: the Ivorian has two offers on the table and Al Ittihad in particular are pushing the former Milan player's agents for an answer as soon as possible. Roma have also joined the race this evening and are trying to snatch him away from Juventus.