Kessie in Juventus contract talks as Al-Ittihad push for decision

Juventus have stepped up negotiations with Franck Kessie as they attempt to complete a deal for the 29-year-old Ivory Coast international, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Turin club was in active contact with Kessie on Tuesday, with discussions focusing in particular on the midfielder’s proposed contractual terms. Juventus are keen to move quickly, with competition from Saudi Arabia threatening to complicate their pursuit.

Kessie currently has two offers from the Gulf region. One of those proposals has come from Al Ittihad, who are applying pressure in an attempt to secure a rapid answer from the player, according to Africafoot.

Al Ahli are also following Kessie’s situation closely and are considering a potential move for the midfielder. Africafoot previously reported Al Ahli’s interest exclusively.

Juventus are looking to strengthen their midfield after the departures of Arthur Melo and Fabio Miretti, who have both moved to Besiktas. Kessie’s experience is seen as a potential addition to the club’s midfield options as they seek to reinforce that area of the squad.

The player is currently valued at 12 million euros by Transfermarkt. Juventus are nevertheless hoping to make progress before the Saudi proposals gain further momentum and make an agreement more difficult.

Kessie was earning an annual salary of 20,000,000 euros in Saudi Arabia, equivalent to 13,000,000,000 FCFA. That figure is expected to be an important consideration in the negotiations over his contract.

The midfielder’s next move remains unresolved, with Juventus attempting to advance discussions while Al Ittihad and Al Ahli continue to monitor developments. A quick agreement with the player would allow the Italian club to press ahead with the transfer before the offers from Saudi Arabia become more influential.

Juventus are due to face Parma in the second round of the Italian championship shortly. Betting company 1xBet lists Parma at 13.00 to win, a draw at 6.30 and Juventus at 1.17.

Those odds underline the expectation surrounding Juventus ahead of the fixture, but the immediate focus for the club’s sporting staff is on their midfield recruitment. Their negotiations with Kessie are now active, although the presence of two Saudi offers means the player has alternatives to consider before deciding where he will continue his career.