Franck Kessie flattered by EPL interest

Atalanta BC midfielder Franck Kessie has admitted that he is 'very flattered' to be linked with a move to the Premier League. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are in the hunt for the player's signature.

Kessie, 20, had been strongly tipped to make the move to England last month but none of the clubs were willing to match his £34m valuation.

Fellow teammate Alejandro Gomez had therein claimed that Kessie will join AS Roma in the summer but the Ivorian hints that this is not the case.

"I read things in the press. I am very flattered that clubs of this level are interested in me," he told So Foot. "This proves that I'm having a good season, that I continue to progress. I don't want to go too fast.

"I don't know if my club has received any offers. I'm under contract. We'll see if we need to discuss anything."

Kessie has evolved into the lynchpin in midfield for the Serie A outfit this season, and this has propelled Atalanta to a position where they could challenge for a Champions League place.

The youngster has also become a regular with the Ivorian national side having taken over the role left by former skipper and Manchester City star Yaya Toure.