Free agent Kessié heading to Juventus: Massara in contact

Juventus are closing in on a long-standing midfield target. According to Di Marzio, the club's new football director (Chief Football Officer) Frederic Massara met today with the agent of free agent Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié. The meeting stands out as the most concrete sign yet of the Turin side's intention to get the deal done.

Kessié became a free agent when his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli expired, and he has made clear his desire to return to European football, particularly Serie A. The 29-year-old regards Juventus as his first choice among the clubs interested in him. A former Milan and Atalanta player, the experienced midfielder is no stranger to the Bianconeri faithful given his history in Italy.

The most crucial factor behind the move is the shared past between Massara and Kessié. The two won a Scudetto together during their time at Milan, and their strong relationship is being cited as the decisive element that could accelerate negotiations and bring the player significantly closer to Juventus. Head coach Luciano Spalletti also considers Kessié's attributes ideal for his system of play.

However, there is an equation Juventus must solve before completing the move: the club first needs to sell some of its current players to make room for new arrivals. As progress is made on the sales front, the Kessié file is expected to gain official momentum. Massara's meeting today goes down as the first and most important step in that process.

Source: Di Marzio

Image: BBC