Juventus appeared to have established a clear advantage in the race for Franck Kessié, but their position is no longer secure. Roma have entered the negotiations and made contact with the midfielder’s representatives. The intervention has turned a patient pursuit into a direct contest between two Serie A rivals.

Roma move at a critical moment

According to Alessio Del Lungo’s report for TuttomercatoWeb, Kessié had been waiting for Juventus after becoming a free agent following his spell with Al-Ahli. The Ivory Coast international reportedly placed other proposals on hold and rejected the possibility of remaining in the Saudi Pro League. Juventus’ delay has now allowed Roma to enter the discussions.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s presence in Rome could play an important role in the negotiations. The coach worked with Kessié at Atalanta during the midfielder’s breakthrough season in 2016/17, before his move to AC Milan. Gasperini therefore knows both his qualities and the tactical demands required to bring out his best football.

Juventus prepare their response

Roma met Kessié’s agent on Tuesday evening in an attempt to move ahead of Juventus. As described in Sky Sport Italia’s updated report, the Turin club still have the player’s priority and have offered a two-year contract with an option for a third season. Luciano Spalletti is also said to want the midfielder added to his squad as quickly as possible.

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The difficulty for Juventus concerns their current midfield numbers. Fabio Miretti’s move to Beşiktaş has created some space, but another departure may still be required before the club is prepared to complete Kessié’s signing. Juventus must now decide whether to act immediately or risk losing their preferred target.

The race remains open

Kessié would give either club an experienced and physically powerful midfielder without requiring a transfer fee. He has already played for Atalanta and Milan in Serie A, while his later career has taken him to Barcelona and Al-Ahli. That experience makes him an attractive short-term addition for two clubs seeking immediate improvement.

No agreement has yet been announced with Roma or Juventus, and interest should not be presented as a completed transfer. Roma have accelerated at a moment when Juventus were still managing departures, but the player’s reported preference continues to favour Turin. The outcome may now depend less on persuasion than on which club is prepared to finalise its offer first.

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