AC Milan midfielder would be good business for Newcastle United

Newcastle United are searching for a box-to-box midfielder and they have their sights set on AC Milan’s rising star.

The silence regarding the takeover of Newcastle United is generating anxiety among the Toon Army. The paperwork for the takeover was submitted in the second week of April, and since then all we have seen in the media is predictions of when the deal will be approved or how new issues have delayed the process.

The waiting game continues, but the Magpies’ Head of Recruitment, Steve Nickson, has continued to work on his list of summer targets. Nickson has done a solid job for Newcastle United as he made the case for adding players like Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schar, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, to name a few.

Earlier this month, a new report claimed that Newcastle United have been scouting AC Milan’s central midfielder Franck Kessie. The 23-year-old has been an integral player for the Italian giants over the last three seasons and his performances in Serie A have led to regular call-ups to the Ivory Coast national team.

Despite only being 23, Kessie already has 124 Serie A appearances under his belt with Atalanta and AC Milan, and has 20 goals and six assists to his name. The central midfielder has also suited up for his national team on 40 occasions, and was crowned as the assist leader of the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

Newcastle United need a box-to-box midfielder who can effectively support the back line by breaking down opposing attacks while also being capable of taking the ball and orchestrating attacks on the other end. Jonjo Shelvey is doing all he can on both ends of the pitch, but he needs support from a versatile partner in the middle of the park.

Isaac Hayden is a talented, underrated midfielder who does a stellar job of disrupting counter-attacks, however, is offensive involvement and impact has been minimal. Based on his performances with AC Milan, Kessie is just as committed to his defensive duties, but he would certainly provide the Magpies with an offensive boost.

Kessie’s best years are still ahead of him, and for a fee of £25m, Newcastle United would be making a great and much needed investment. The way the team is currently built, Shelvey’s midfield partners are defensive-minded players, and Kessie’s arrival would help the Magpies alter their style of play to enjoy more possession and create more chances.

What are your thoughts regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Franck Kessie? Let us know in the comments section belo