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Napoli to rival Inter Milan for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie?

Napoli to rival Inter Milan for Barcelona's Franck Kessie?
© Reuters
Napoli are reportedly prepared to join the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie during the January transfer window.

Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Napoli.

When the Ivory Coast international departed AC Milan for Camp Nou on a free transfer earlier this year, he was expected to hold down a regular spot in the starting lineup.

However, the 25-year-old has been provided with just five starts and eight substitute appearances having failed to dislodge Sergio Busquets from his long-term role in the centre of the pitch.

Reports have recently emerged that Barcelona officials would be prepared to cash in on Kessie should they receive a suitable offer at the turn of the year.

Having not been required to pay a transfer fee for the player, Barcelona would significantly boost their FFP position by generating a substantial fee.

Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie in action against Real Madrid on July 23, 2022© Reuters

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Kessie's agent is currently insistent that there will be no change of clubs at the midway point of the campaign.

Nevertheless, Inter Milan are being heavily linked with an approach for Kessie, whether that be on a temporary or permanent basis, with the Italian giants hoping that their rivalry with his former club will not become a factor.

According to Relevo, Napoli are contemplating whether to rival Inter for Kessie's signature in the January transfer window.

Napoli are currently on course to win their first top-flight crown in 33 years having opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the standings.

Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti on October 12, 2022© Reuters

Luciano Spalletti's side have recorded 13 wins and two draws from 15 matches, while the club have a settled number of options in the middle of the pitch in Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, Piotr Zielinski and Tanguy Ndombele.

However, the report claims that Napoli are ready to push for a loan deal in a bid to further strengthen their bid for silverware during the second half of the season.

The report adds that Kessie, should he depart Barcelona in January, would prefer to move to an Italian club, although his representatives are said to have informed Barcelona that his priority is to stay in Spain.

Kessie is allegedly focus on making more of a sustained impact once Barcelona resume their schedule on New Year's Eve versus Espanyol.

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Franck Kessie celebrates scoring for Barcelona on September 7, 2022
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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