Inter have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie this summer, as the 26-year-old has turned down a prospective pay cut from the Blaugranas.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Ivorian former AC Milan and Atalanta midfielder has made clear that he has no intention of accepting lower than the €6.5 million net per season he is under contract for, and could leave the Camp Nou this summer.
Inter have been admirers of Kessie since all the way back to the period when he was playing for Atalanta.
Whilst the Nerazzurri missed out on the Ivorian international last summer as he made the switch to Barcelona on a free transfer from Milan, they have never really stopped keeping track of him.
Even though Kessie only arrived at Barcelona less than twelve months ago, the reports have been persistent that he could be allowed to leave.
The Nerazzurri have reportedly been in talks regarding the former Rossoneri man, including suggestions of a prospective swap deal for midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.
In any event, the decision of both Kessie and of Barcelona will prove key, as the 26-year-old has not received the playing time that many expected him to this season and a transfer could be tempting to all parties.
A potentially significant factor could well come down to the wages that Kessie earns.
The Ivorian earns €6.5 million net per season on his current contract, which runs until the end of June 2026.
According to the Corriere, the Blaugranas have asked the Ivorian international to accept a lowering of his wages, as part of their broader objective of cutting spending.
However, Kessie would have little interest in accepting such an arrangement.
Accordingly, Barcelona are now looking to get Kessie and his wages off of their books, meaning that he could very well depart in the summer.
According to the Corriere, the Blaugranas have put a cash value of around €30 million on the former Rossoneri midfielder, and there is also interest in his signature from clubs in the Premier League.
