Chelsea transfer news: Blues steal a march on Arsenal and Juventus for Atalanta star Franck Kessie
It looked like Juventus had bagged the new "Yaya Toure" earlier this month now the Premier League leaders are in the driving seat for his signature
CHELSEA have stolen a march on Arsenal and Juventus in the chase for Atalanta star Franck Kessie.
Kessie, dubbed the new “Yaya Toure” was odds on to snub a move to the Premier League and stay in Italy making the switch to Italian champions.
Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to add to this squad next month and will look to take advantage of his extensive knowledge of the Italian market with a big money for the teenager.
Kessie, 19 has been one of the stand out performers in the Italian top flight this term scoring five goals from midfield in 14 appearances for the unfashionable Atalanta who are four points off the Champions League places.
Reports in Italy suggested Juve had got their man, but the Corriere dello Sport has claimed Chelsea are in the driving seat to secure his signature.
The midfielder is enjoying an excellent debut season in Serie A, Atalanta signed him from Ivory Coast side Stella Club 18 months ago and immediately sent him on loan to Serie B side Cesena.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton had all been monitoring the situation but Chelsea have pushed the hardest for Kessie and could wrap up a deal in January.