Chelsea have had a £27million bid for a Serie A player dubbed ‘the next Yaya Toure’ rejected by Atalanta.
The Blues offered £21million up front for midfielder Franck Kessie, with a further £6million worth of add-ons.
They’re not the only Premier League club to be interested in the player, with his agent George Atangana saying last month that the Blues, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all wanted to sign his client.
Chelsea are refusing to give up on the midfielder, who’s Ivory Coast team were knocked out of the African Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
It’s thought the 20-year is keen on a move to the Premier League but doesn’t want to force his way out of Atalanta.
Kessie, who was once dubbed the next Yaya Toure, has seven goals and two assists in 17 games this season.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10