Chelsea could beat Tottenham Hotspur to midfield signing

Chelsea could reportedly beat Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie next year.

The Ivorian has rejected a new contract with the Rossoneri. He could leave on a free transfer when his deal expires in June 2022.

This has caught the eye of elite European clubs. In the Premier League, Spurs and Blues are leading the race to land his signature.

According to football.london, Thomas Tuchel's side may have the edge over Spurs in the pursuit due to Champions League football.

Furthermore, they are willing to hand the midfielder with a higher lucrative salary than their arch-rivals alongside a big signing-on fee.

Kessie can negotiate a pre-contract with an overseas club in January.

Milan have the option of selling him at the turn of the year, but they are unlikely to do so as he remains a key figure in their ranks.

Kessie has the dream of playing in the Premier League. He previously said that he would find it hard to refuse Chelsea or Manchester United.