Juventus are intensifying their pursuit of free agent Franck Kessié following injury concerns surrounding Khéphren Thuram, according to reports in Italy. The Bianconeri are in advanced negotiations with the Ivorian midfielder, who is currently represented by agent George Atangana, a long-time associate from his time at Milan.
Kessié initially sought a salary exceeding €5 million per year, but Juventus have countered with an offer of €3.5 million annually for a three-year contract, including a signing bonus equivalent to one year’s salary. This initial proposal was deemed insufficient, prompting Juventus to revise their offer to nearly €4.5 million per year for the same duration. However, the club is hesitant to exceed this figure due to recent contract extensions for Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie.
The delicate internal financial balance at Juventus, influenced by previous management decisions, is playing a key role in the negotiations. The club is proceeding cautiously with all potential free agent signings, including Kessié, while simultaneously working to reach an agreement with Dusan Vlahovic. Agent commissions are expected to be a crucial factor in finalizing any deal.
Kessié is considered a more attainable target than alternatives such as Leon Goretzka, whose wage demands are higher, and Nemanja Matic, who is nearly 38 and still contracted to Sassuolo. The former Milan player has reportedly been receptive to Juventus’s overtures and has shown willingness to adjust his initial salary expectations. The club believes a deal is increasingly likely, pending final agreement on financial details. Other potential midfield reinforcements, including Douglas Luiz, Miretti, Koopmeiners, and Arthur, may need to be moved on to facilitate the arrival of Kessié, dependent on the severity and recovery timeline of Thuram’s injury.
Juventus’s sporting director Ricky Massara has also been approached by Miralem Pjanic regarding 18-year-old Bosnian talent Kerim Alajbegovic, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, but the club is prioritizing other positions for now. They are also monitoring Brazilian midfielder André from Corinthians, though a move appears less immediate, with Fenerbahce also showing strong interest.
