Juventus step up pursuit of Franck Kessie as Serie A return moves closer

Franck Kessie is edging towards a return to Serie A, with Juventus having reached a verbal agreement with the former AC Milan midfielder, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

The proposed move could be completed once Fabio Miretti’s transfer to Besiktas is finalised. Miretti’s expected departure would create the space Juventus need in their squad to bring in the Ivory Coast international before the end of the current transfer window.

Kessie has emerged as a late priority for Juventus, who are looking for a midfielder with his physical and technical qualities. The 31-year-old has long been admired by Juventus technical director Ricky Massara, who worked with him during his time at AC Milan.

The relationship between Kessie and Massara dates back to their successful spell together in Milan, when they helped the club win the Serie A title. The pair have also held discussions in recent weeks as the midfielder considered his next move.

Kessie’s future had become less certain after he received another lucrative offer from Al-Ittihad. The Saudi Arabian club’s proposal prompted him to delay his decision, but the player is now understood to favour a return to Italy.

His preference is not simply to return to Serie A, but to do so as an important first-team player. Juventus’ proposed salary of about 4m euros per year is also believed to meet his financial expectations.

A reported two-year contract worth 10m euros with Al-Ittihad now appears increasingly unlikely. Instead, Kessie is moving closer to a deal that would see him rejoin the league where he established himself as one of Europe’s most powerful and influential midfielders.

Juventus are continuing to reorganise their squad to make the transfer possible. The club have already terminated Arthur’s contract, removing one obstacle to Kessie’s arrival. If Miretti completes his move to Turkey, there would reportedly be no remaining barrier to the Ivorian joining Juventus.

The potential signing would give Juventus a midfielder whose previous Serie A experience includes a title-winning campaign with AC Milan. Kessie left the Italian club after that successful period and has since continued his career away from Italy, but the latest developments suggest he could soon be back in the competition.

For Juventus, the agreement represents a significant step in their efforts to strengthen midfield during the final days of the transfer window. The deal is not yet complete, but the verbal understanding between the player and the club, combined with the expected departures of Arthur and Miretti, has brought Kessie’s return to Serie A much closer.