Why West Ham should revive their interest in Franck Kessie
Back in January, The Express suggested that West Ham were interested in signing AC Milan star Franck Kessie. However, a deal didn’t materialize and the midfielder stayed put at San Siro beyond the winter transfer window.
Kessie, 23, came through the ranks of Stella club d’Adjame in Cote d’Ivoire and joined Atalanta’s U19 side in 2015. AC Milan signed him initially on loan in 2017 and two seasons later, his move to San Siro was made permanent. Since then, he has been a regular member of the Serie A side.
He has been consistent in recent times and is one of the key players in Milan’s squad, which has been exceptional in the past few weeks, beating the likes of Juventus and Lazio. Thus, the London outfit should once again attempt a move for Kessie.
Kessie – A solid addition for West Ham
One key area the manager needs to focus on strengthening is the midfield. Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, Mark Noble and Jack Wilshere are the central midfielders available at the manager’s disposal. Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals have been deployed in an advanced position.
While Noble has done a decent job so far, contributing with 4 goals and 2 assists, Wilshere has been injured for the majority of the campaign. Czech Republic international Soucek is on loan and is yet to decide on his future at the club.
Thus, with a lack of adequate options in midfield, the manager should bring in midfielders this summer and AC Milan’s Kessie would be a suitable option for the club.
The Ivorian has been a regular in the Italian outfit’s squad and is one of the players who has done well in the midfield for AC Milan. Hammers can add him to the squad in the place of the ageing Mark Noble and Kessie is capable of operating as a defensive midfielder and also in an advanced role.
His inclusion in the squad would allow the likes of Fornals to play in a higher role without having to sit deeper in a defensive situation. He can be a valuable player alongside Declan Rice, who has run out of partners for the majority of the campaign.
Read more
- Why Manchester United star Phil Jones would be a great addition for West Ham
- Why West Ham signing Unai Nunez will be a good move
Verdict
Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez has already left the club and Noble (32) is reaching the twilight of his career. At the same time, Soucek is on loan and could be back in Prague when the season ends. This would leave them with limited options in the midfield if they don’t consider a midfield reinforcement. Thus, they should reignite their interest in Kessie at the earliest.
