Roma Join Chase for Juventus and Inter Target Kessié
Transfer News·14 May 2026·3h ago

Roma Join Chase for Juventus and Inter Target Kessié

Source: Cult of Calcio

Roma have emerged as a potential destination for Franck Kessié, the Ivorian midfielder currently at Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. The 27-year-old is keen to return to Europe and Serie A, with Juventus and Inter also linked to him, though neither club has yet tabled an offer. Kessié's representatives have tested Roma's interest, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having previously worked with the midfielder at Atalanta.

Roma face significant obstacles in any pursuit. The club is navigating uncertainty following the departure of Director Frederic Massara, and their transfer strategy will depend heavily on their final league position. The Giallorossi have historically avoided signing veteran players and maintain strict wage discipline, offering reduced salaries to their current squad. Kessié is reportedly seeking around €4.5 million per year, a figure that may stretch Roma's payroll constraints. The midfielder would represent a free transfer—a Bosman signing—which could appeal given the club's ongoing need to generate Financial Fair Play savings. Manu Koné is among candidates to depart to ease those financial pressures.

While a move cannot be ruled out, Roma's traditional recruitment approach suggests Kessié would be considered an addition to the midfield rather than a direct replacement for departing players. Whether the club can meet his wage demands remains the critical question.

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Roma have joined the list of teams attached to Frank Kessié, who’s likely to leave the Saudi Pro League, although Al Ahli haven’t given up for now and offered him an extension, FootAfrica reports (via Mediaset).The midfielder is keen on returning to Europe and to Serie A in particular. He’s been linked to Juventus and Inter in particular. The two Derby d’Italia rivals haven’t tendered an offer at this stage.Kessié broke out under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, and his camp has tested the waters to see whether Roma could be interested. The Giallorossi are going through a time of major uncertainty. Director Frederic Massara is on his way out, and their final position will heavily influence their transfer market strategies.The Giallorossi have rarely signed veterans in recent years, and meeting the Ivorian international’s demands could be a problem. After being covered in gold in the Middle Eastern league, he’s seeking around €4.5M per year. The sum isn’t too lofty, but the capital club is very careful with its payroll. They are offered significantly reduced rates to their current veterans. Still, a quality Bosman signing wouldn’t hurt, especially in the midfield. Manu Koné is one of the main candidates to depart to solve Financial Fair Play-related problems.Our Take on Roma and KessiéHe’s not washed up, but if they even made a real effort to add him, it would mean that Gasperini is really pulling his weight around, as it’d be a significant detour from their MO. It remains to be seen whether his demands are really manageable. Eventually, he’d be a lot more useful as an addition rather than as Koné’s replacement. Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football Related posts: Dybala Rebuffs Al-Nassr, Primed for Sizeable Pay Bump Al-Ahli Star Kessié Setting Up His Serie A Return Roma Among Sides Attached to Unhappy Inter Defender Napoli Newcomer Surprisingly Left Out of Europa League List

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