Kessié's Italian Job: Ivorian Midfielder Eyes Serie A Return as Juve and Inter Sharpen Their Pens

Picture this: a burly Ivorian powerhouse, fresh off three years of sun-soaked wages in Saudi Arabia, dreaming of gelato and tactical battles back in Italy. That's Franck Kessié for you, the midfield terrier who's had his fill of the desert leagues and is now gunning for a Serie A comeback. As Matteo Moretto reports for Goal.com, the 30-year-old's contract with Al-Ahli wraps up on June 30th, and he's made it crystal clear: Europe calls, with Italy top of the shopping list.

Kessié left fond footprints at Cesena, Atalanta, and AC Milan before jetting off to Barcelona and then Saudi. Those glory days in calico jerseys have him nostalgic, and after proving his mettle in less competitive waters, he fancies testing himself against the old foes again. It's not just sentimentality – at his peak physical prime, the lad's box-to-box energy and tenacity could be a game-changer for any midfield in need of grunt.

Bianconeri on the Prowl

Juventus have had their eye on Kessié like a hawk eyeing a Sunday roast. The Old Lady met his agent's camp back in January, and with Thiago Motta plotting a midfield revamp, the Ivorian's free-agent status is music to their ears. Imagine him alongside Locatelli or Fagioli, breaking up play and surging forward – it's the kind of no-cost coup that keeps directors grinning into their espressos.

But they're not alone in the scrum. Other European heavyweights have pinged his entourage, knowing Kessié's blend of steel and skill hasn't dulled one bit. At 28 when he left Milan (he's 30 now, time flies), he's still got plenty of miles in those legs. Juve's interest feels serious, though; they're monitoring every twitch in the transfer grapevine.

Nerazzurri Join the Party

Over in the blue half of Milan, Inter aren't sleeping on this either. The Nerazzurri have flirted with Kessié before – even pre-Barcelona days – and with their midfield needing that physical edge beyond pursuits like Manu Koné (who'd have cost a Roma-demanded €40m), he's a cheeky freebie option. Simone Inzaghi could slot him in as a wrecking ball, complementing the flair merchants.

Inter's been chatting with his people on and off, but they'll need to crunch the numbers. Kessié's no mug; he knows his worth after pocketing eye-watering €14m a year in Saudi. He's open to a pay cut – down to around €5m net, mind – but that's still top-table wages in Serie A terms. Can the big boys stretch without Financial Fair Play biting their backsides?

Wages, Wishes, and What Next?

Here's the rub: Serie A clubs aren't printing money like the Saudis. Kessié's ready to haggle, prioritising playing time and trophies over sheikh-level riches. His agent's phone must be buzzing like a beehive – Juve, Inter, maybe even a wildcard from abroad.

For fans, it's exciting times. Kessié's not yesterday's man; his duels won, lung-busting runs, and that knack for popping up with goals scream 'bargain buy'. Will he pick the black and white stripes or the blue and black? Or surprise us all with a curveball?

As the season winds down, keep your eyes peeled. This free transfer could shake up the Scudetto race. Fancy a pint to debate it? Cheers to Kessié – welcome home, lad.